Giovanni Cunningham delivered a man-of-the-match performance at Stadium East, scoring twice to lead Racing United to a commanding 5-1 victory over Arnett Gardens as Match Day One of the 2025 Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League came to a close.
Cunningham wasted no time making his mark, breaking the deadlock in the 4th minute before doubling his tally in the 34th. In between, teammates Nickyle Ellis (5th) and Tajay Grant (11th) were also on target, as the Clarendon-based outfit raced to a 4-0 half-time lead.
Arnett Gardens pulled one back through Rushike Kelson in the 69th minute, but Racing United sealed the emphatic win deep into stoppage time when Tyrone Mullings scored in the 97th minute.
Earlier in the evening’s double-header, Portmore United earned a solid 2-0 victory over Dunbeholden, with second-half goals from Marques Reid (66th) and Ronaldo Robinson (82nd) ensuring three points for the former champions.
The opening round results leave Racing United top of the table on goal difference ahead of Portmore, Waterhouse, Treasure Beach, and Chapelton Maroons.
Waterhouse began their campaign with a 2-0 win over Molynes United, while newcomers Treasure Beach registered a similar scoreline against fellow promoted side Spanish Town Police FC. Chapelton Maroons also enjoyed a positive start, edging Tivoli Gardens 2-1.
Defending champions Cavalier were held to a 0-0 draw by Harbour View, while last season’s beaten finalists Mount Pleasant were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw with Montego Bay United.
Shaquille Bradford put Mount Pleasant ahead in the 17th minute, but Mobay United struck back quickly after the break. Jahmari Clarke equalised in the 48th before Dwight Merrick fired the visitors into a 2-1 lead just two minutes later. Mount Pleasant, however, secured a share of the spoils when Owen Jump netted in the 82nd minute.
