Racing blank 10-man Chapelton Maroons

Racing United picked up their second win in a row to move to second in the Jamaica Premier League standings, downing 10-man Chapelton Maroons 2-0 yesterday at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.

Goals from Jakob Cole in the 29th minute and Kadean Young in the 70th handed Racing all three points.

The St Catherine-based club now sit second in the standings on 45 points, trailing league leaders Montego Bay United, who sit atop the pile with 50.

Chapelton Maroons, on the other hand, remain fifth in the standings with 32 points.

Racing went searching for the opening goal from the opening whistle but only found purchase near the half-hour mark.

A poor defensive clearance from Chapelton allowed Reggae Boyz Tajay Grant to send a dangerous ball into the box, finding Damion Herrera.

With little time and space, Herrera used his chest to cushion the ball into Cole’s path, who needed two bites at the cherry before he found the back of the net.

Chapelton were rightly reduced to 10 men just before the 70th-minute mark when goalkeeper Juan Ramirez handled the ball outside of the box and was shown a straight red card.

Chapelton Maroons, chasing an equaliser, committed numbers for a corner kick but found themselves immediately at a disadvantage when Racing sprung a quick counter-attack and Young was set free to run at goal.

Ramirez was quick off his line to meet the ball, but he was forced to use his hands outside of the box to stop Young’s attack.

From bad to worse

Things went from bad to worse for Chapelton as Young converted the resulting set piece, sinking Chapelton’s chances of a comeback.

Racing head coach Anthony Patrick was a happy figure after the match, praising his team for their performance despite a rainy afternoon.

“I must say thumbs up to the team and the players. They really set a mark this evening,” Patrick said after the game.

“When I saw the rain, I said it would be very difficult for us because we don’t like rain. But to see them come out and play this type of way. They made an impact.”

Racing’s next assignment will see them face off against defending champions Cavalier as they continue their march towards their first-ever play-off appearance.

Chapelton, on the other hand, will play hosts to Dunbeholden as they look to consolidate their play-off spot.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com