Molynes United took a major step towards securing Jamaica Premier League (JPL) football next season after they defeated Racing United 2-1 at Ferdi Neita Park yesterday, for a third straight win to move five points clear of the relegation zone.
Gerald Neil gave Molynes the lead in the 52nd minute and Rashawn Livingston made it 2-0 10 minutes later. Tajay Grant pulled a goal back for Racing in added time.
Molynes have now climbed to 36 points, three more than Harbour View and five above Treasure Beach in the relegation zone.
Molynes and Waterhouse are the only teams to have won their last three matches, and coach Jermaine Thomas said their form is a boost to their confidence in their fight for survival.
“We have been playing well. We have been creating opportunities and doing a lot of finishing in training, and to see it come to fruition is really pleasing and is an honour,” Thomas stated.
“The confidence levels are very high, but we want to guard against being too cocky. The players must be commended. They are workaholics and they have really responded to the call, and I am really happy.”
Racing controlled the half and had two great chances falling to their best players, but Tajay Grant and Nickyle Ellis both squandered their opportunities.
Molynes, who were on the defensive for the most part, threatened in the 33rd minute, but Odane Murray headed wide from a free kick.
The flow of the game continued along the same line in the second half, but Molynes would get a goal seven minutes into the half when Samson Oke crashed a header off the post and Neil turned in the rebound to give Molynes the advantage.
Molynes added a second minutes later when Rashawn Livingston found room in the box and hammered a shot past goalkeeper Aaron Enill.
Racing had a great chance in the 65th minute when Odane Nish got in behind from a free kick, but goalkeeper Darren Donaie pulled off a brilliant save to deny him from three yards out, then the follow-up effort was cleared off the line by a defender.
Racing continued to push forward and had a few good chances. DeAndre Johnson, for instance, should have done better after he found space just inside the area in the 79th minute.
In time added, Grant pulled a goal back for Racing, heading home Nickyle Ellis’ cross at the back post.
Racing were then reduced to 10 men moments later, when Nathel Ellis denied Pennicooke a clear chance to score and was sent off.
Racing coach Anthony Patrick said nothing went their way on the day.
“We started the game well but missed those two easy chances, the easiest opportunities you could have. We missed those opportunities and went into the half 0-0.
“The first [Molynes] goal was definitely an offside, but the officials are humans. They make mistakes. We just have to accept the loss and move on,” he said.
Racing are now fifth in the table on 56 points, four more than Cavalier in sixth, with three matches to go.
In the day’s other game, Montego Bay United continued to get things right, demolishing Tivoli Gardens 5-1.
Things started badly for Tivoli at Jarrett Park when Denville Watson scored an own goal in the opening minute.
Tivoli got back into the game in the 38th minute through Anthony Nelson, but again went behind when Malachi Sterling struck in the 43rd.
In time added at the end of the first half, MoBay’s Deonjay Brown made it 3-1.
After 85 minutes the score was 4-1, courtesy of Brian Lee Brown, and on the stroke of regulation time, Lucas Lima Corea completed the rout.
There will be five games on today.
Yesterday’s Results
Racing 1-2 Molynes
MoBay 5-1 Tivoli
Today’s Games
Spanish Town Police vs Portmore at Royal Lakes Complex – 3:30 p.m.
Dunbeholden vs Harbour View at Drewsland – 4:30 p.m.
Waterhouse vs Treasure Beach at Drewsland – 7 p.m.
Mount Pleasant vs Chapelton at Drax Hall – 7 p.m.
Arnett vs Cavalier at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex – 7 p.m.
