MBU back on top of JPL

Montego Bay United (MBU) snapped a two-game losing streak to edge Treasure Beach United 2-1 in their Jamaica Premier League clash yesterday at St Elizabeth Technical High (STETHS) Sports Complex.

The win pushed MBU back on top of the standings with 29 points, one more than former leaders Racing United, who were held to a 0-0 draw by Waterhouse. Waterhouse dropped to eighth with 16 points, while Treasure Beach remain in 13th place with 12 points.

The two teams who suffered the most during the passage of the powerful Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in western Jamaica on October 28 last year, scored all three goals in the first half. Dwight Merrick put the winners ahead in the fifth minute before Deonjay Brown dribbled past his markers to double the lead in the 22nd minute. Treasure Beach’s Tommy Lawrence pulled back a goal in the 37th minute after a beautiful assist from Daniel Hardy.

Despite a late surge from Treasure Beach, MBU held firm to secure all three points, ending their recent run of poor results and strengthening their position in the league standings.

While MBU were deserving winners, Treasure Beach could have got a better result with more composure in front of goal.

Xavier Gilbert, head coach of MBU, expressed mixed feelings about the win, highlighting their dominance in the first half, but pointing to complacency in the second half.

“We did some good things in the first half. We created quite a number of opportunities, we were dominant and made it uncomfortable for Treasure Beach in terms of how we organised our set-up,” said Gilbert, who was happy to break the two-match losing spell.

“However, we allowed them to come back because we got too relaxed, gave them some confidence, and they got some momentum. We got reckless and a little careless,” added Gilbert

Meanwhile, Kemar Ricketts, coach of Treasure Beach, commended his team for playing a good game, despite the score.

“Just like the last game, we played well but I just think we started slowly and gave up two goals in the first 22 minutes. We found our footing and started to change things around. Unfortunately, we did not get another goal, but I think we could have gotten more,” said Ricketts.

“I don’t think we should have conceded two goals [that early]. We need to defend better, but we will get it right moving forward,” added Ricketts.

YESTERDAY’S RESULTS

Treasure Beach 1-2 MBU

Racing United 0-0 Waterhouse

Chapelton 2- 1 Harbour View

Molynes 0-0 Mount Pleasant