TIGHT AT THE TOP

Racing United had to claw their way from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Caribbean Cup champions Mount Pleasant, spoiling the hosts’ first home outing of the new year in an entertaining Jamaica Premier League (JPL) clash yesterday.

The draw keeps Racing second in the standings with 29 points, three less than league leaders Montego Bay United (MBU), who squeezed out a 1-0 win over Dunbeholden FC. Portmore United (27) remain in third after a 1-1 draw with 11th-placed Chapleton Maroons (16), while Mount Pleasant are fourth with 24.

In one of the most competitive encounters of the round, Mount Pleasant broke the deadlock through Jeudy Johnson in the 54th minute.

Racing United’s Tajay Grant pulled back a goal with a header in the 68th minute after a beautiful assist from Chavany Willis.

Mount Pleasant were eager to extend their dominance on home soil and kick off the new year with maximum points, but Racing United arrived determined to make a statement.

Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitmore said the team had enough chances to win but suffered from profligacy.

DISAPPOINTED

“We are disappointed with the result. Though the performance was okay, we could have been better. We had a pretty decent first-half, but I think what let us down was not scoring and getting all three points,” said Whitmore.

“We had a lot of chances this afternoon and could have capitalised on them. Again, it’s the players’ decision; there is nothing we as the coach or technical staff can do about that,” added Whitmore.

Meanwhile, Anthony Patrick, coach of Racing United, said the team’s strategy worked.

“I know the intensity of the game was going to be very high. We implemented a low-defensive block in the first half and prepared to increase pressing and attack in the second half to wear down the opponents and go for the kill,” said Patrick.

“We allowed Mount Pleasant to have more possession of the ball. In the second half when I made those changes, it was very crucial and they had to pay attention to those players, and it paid dividends,” added Patrick.

In another game, Montego Bay United won their first game at Jarrett Park since their temporary move to the venue owing to Hurricane Melissa.

Owayne Gordon scored the lone goal of the game, a 77th-minute penalty to give the league leaders a little more breathing room at the top.

YESTERDAY’S GAMES

Molynes 1-2 Treasure Beach

Portmore 0-0 Chapleton

MBU 1- 0 Dunbeholden

Mount Pleasant 1-1 Racing United

Waterhouse – Cavalier (Ongoing at press time)