Champions edge closer to play-offs

Defending champions Cavalier took another big step towards securing their place in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) play-offs after an industrious 2-0 win over Racing United at Stadium East yesterday.

Kimarley Scott put Cavalier ahead in the 63rd minute and Christopher Ainsworth sealed the match with a 70th-minute penalty.

Cavalier assistant coach David Laylor said the performance was encouraging, and that the team is coming together at the right time of the season.

“Excellent performance from the team, and as long as we play consistently like this we should be alright getting into the top six,” Laylor said post-match.

Racing had most of the possession in the first half, while Cavalier were always looking to hit on the break.

Chad James had a glorious chance for Cavalier in the 27th minute but could not keep his effort on target, from inside the six yards area.

Racing came close in the 37th minute, but goalkeeper Jamari Gordon was equal to Chevany Willis’ free kick from the edge of the box.

Late in the half, James had another sight of goal, from a right side cross, but could not keep his header down.

Racing continued to dictate possession, even more so at the start of the second half, but Cavalier remained resilient in defence and ended up catching the visitors on the break.

Scott collected a pass on the left in the 63rd minute and sped away from the Racing defence, but his shot deflected off a defender to beat goalkeeper Carlyle Holmes at the near post.

Minutes later Cavalier were awarded a penalty when Holmes was adjudged to have fouled James Gallimore in the box, and Ainsworth converted the spot kick.

Cavalier then showed good game management to see out the contest, unsettling their opponents in possession and limiting their offensive threat.

Racing assistant coach Marvin Tate said poor decisions by officials have impacted them severely over the last few matches.

“We see a situation that has been plaguing us for the last four games. The first goal, we (coaches) were at the line and that was clearly an offside. No question about that, but these are the unfortunate situations that we have been facing,” he complained.

Racing are without a win in their last nine games and Tate said they are not worried, but concerned.

“Not the least worried, but it’s time for concern. Nonetheless, we need two points with two games to go (to secure top six), and we are banking on our players to come good for those two games,” he said.

The win puts sixth-placed Cavalier (55 points) within a point of fifth-placed Racing. However, both must be wary of Arnett (52), who kept their hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Portmore, and Chapelton, who kept their very slim chances going with a 6-2 win over Spanish Town Police.

In the relegation battle, Treasure Beach beat Dunbeholden 1-0 to move to 11th on 37 points. Harbour View also scored an important 4-3 win over leaders Montego Bay but remain in the relegation zone on 36 points, the same as 12th-placed Molynes United, who play Tivoli Gardens today.

Meanwhile, Spanish Town Police were officially demoted after their defeat by Chapelton. With two games to go, the team from the old capital sit at the foot of the table on 26 points and cannot catch their nearest opponents, Harbour View, who are 10 points clear.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

YESTERDAY’S RESULTS

Chapelton 6-2 Spanish Town Police

Harbour View 4-3 Montego Bay

Portmore 1-2 Arnett Gardens

Treasure Beach 1-0 Dunbeholden

Cavalier 2-0 Racing United

TODAY’S GAMES

5 p.m: Molynes vs Tivoli

7:30 p.m: Mount Pleasant vs Waterhouse