JPL: MBU maintain seven-point lead

Montego Bay United (MBU) clipped defending champions Cavalier SC 1-0 to remain atop the standings after their Jamaica Premier League (JPL) clash at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay yesterday.

Dwight Merrick scored his 11th goal of the season to put the winners ahead in the 55th minute and the league leaders held on to earn all three points.

The result pushes MBU further ahead on 49 points in the standings, while Cavalier slipped to eighth with 29 points. Racing United are second in the standings on 42 points, Mount Pleasant Academy climbed back to third after a 4-0 win over Dunbeholden with Portmore United in fourth on 39.

Xavier Gilbert, MBU coach, said it was a difficult game but he is happy for the win.

“I mean, they threw everything at us, and we had the lead and had to preserve it. Nevertheless, we got the three points. It happens in most games; once the opposition is down, they are going to throw everything at you. You just have to make sure you defend well,” Gilbert said, noting that the team could have imposed themselves better on the opposition.

“It is a team we wanted to ensure that we beat, and we want to just continue our winning form, and be the one from the start of the year,” added Gilbert.

Meanwhile, Rudolph Speid, Cavalier SC coach, said it was a tough loss.

“I think we really should have gotten a goal, especially closer to the end of the game. Unfortunately for us, we didn’t take what we believe could have been an equaliser and at least take home a point,”said Speid.

“It’s one of those days, we are still rebuilding and still pressing forward. When you are rebuilding, you get tough losses sometimes and some wins. It is a part of the rebuilding process,” added Speid.

MBU pressed hard the entire match and attacked, and in the 55th minute Merrick broke through Cavalier’s defence to score the winner.