Four teams, two spots, now or never for JPL top six

IT’S NOW or never for Humble Lion, Dunbeholden, Waterhouse and Portmore as the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) goes into its final round of preliminary games with only two play-off spots to spare.

Arnett (52 points), Cavalier (49), Mount Pleasant (46) and Harbour View (43) have already secured four of the six play-off places.

Of the four play-off hopefuls, Humble Lion are the most secure in fifth spot with 41 points. Dunbeholden are sixth on 38 points, the same as Waterhouse in seventh. While Portmore, in eighth place with 37 points, are also in with a shot.

In the feature match at the Waterhouse Mini Stadium, the home team entertain Humble Lion, who need only a point to lock down their spot. However, the home team will need to win to have any chance of progressing.

In case Dunbeholden lose against Mount Pleasant, that game takes place simultaneously at the Ferdie Neita Park, and Waterhouse win, they will advance over the former. But if Dunbeholden win, Waterhouse will need to beat Humble Lion by eight clear goals to get through.

“Irrespective of the points standing, we still have Humble Lion to play at home and we have to make the most of that advantage,” said Waterhouse assistant coach, Damion Gordon.

“Definitely think we can make it to the play-offs. What we are asking for is the community to come out and support the team. It is a one-game situation where we have to win. So we need the crowd support for our home advantage to be an advantage in terms of having that atmosphere at Drewsland.”

Humble Lion coach Andrew Price said his team will not be intimidated, nor will they grant any favours, as they aim to finish the round in style.

DEFENSIVE RECORD

“It is a team that we respect, but we will be competitive. We will go out and play. One of the things we pride ourselves on is our defensive record. We have the best defence in the league. So we will go out with that posture and at the same time, we will see if we can get some goals and get the victory,” Price said.

“We are in eyesight of the play-offs and it is about going out and finishing on a high. So it is for us to go out and do the job.

“We are not doing any favours for anybody. Our goal difference is slightly higher than the other teams. So everyone will have to come out and play,” he insisted.

Portmore’s chance of claiming a top-six spot will depend on Dunbeholden and Waterhouse failing to get three points from their games.

Portmore coach Philip Williams sees Molynes United, who they play at the Spanish Town Prison Oval, as a real threat, but his intention is to get the points and see where the chips fall.

“Mathematically, we still have a chance, so we have to approach positively. Molynes is a team that can beat anyone on any given day, so it is a game we have to approach seriously. But this is our last game and last chance to secure a top-six position, so we have to make it count.”

Nevertheless, if Dunbeholden get the win over Mount Pleasant, they will be all but secure, as only a very big win by Waterhouse over Humble Lion could deny them their place in the top six.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Today’s Matches

Dunbeholden vs Mount Pleasant at Ferdie Neita Park at 3:15 p.m.

Waterhouse vs Humble Lion at Waterhouse mini-stadium at 3:15 p.m.

Molynes vs Portmore at Prison Oval at 3:15 p.m.

Harbour View vs Vere at Edward Seaga Complex at 3:15 p.m.

Arnett vs Tivoli at Anthony Spaulding Complex at 3:15 p.m.

Faulkland vs Chapelton at Wespow Park at 1 p.m.

MoBay vs Cavalier at Wespow Park at 3:15 p.m.

Teams Points Goal Difference

5. Humble Lion 41 + 12

6. Dunbeholden 38 +11

----------------------------------Play-off Line---------------------------------------

7. Waterhouse 38 + 4

8. Portmore United 37 +9

1) Humble Lion will qualify for the play-offs with a draw or win against Waterhouse.

2) Dunbeholden will qualify for the play-offs with a win against Mount Pleasant OR a draw against Mount Pleasant AND Waterhouse drawing or losing to Humble Lion.

3) Waterhouse will qualify for the play-offs with a win against Humble Lion AND a Dunbeholden draw or loss to Mount Pleasant.

4) Portmore United will qualify for the play-offs with a win against Molynes United AND a Dunbeholden draw or loss to Mount Pleasant AND a Waterhouse draw or loss to Humble Lion.