Portmore United Rises to Second Place in Jamaica Premier League
In an exhilarating weekend of football action, Portmore United (PMU) clinched second place in the Jamaica Premier League, surpassing the reigning champions Cavalier SC. This ascent was bolstered by their hard-fought 2-1 victory against Chapelton Maroons at Ferdie Neita Park on Sunday, marking their fourth consecutive win following a rocky start to the season.
PMU’s impressive performance places them just a single point behind league leaders Montego Bay United, who were unable to break the deadlock in their match against Humble Lion, ending the game in a 0-0 draw. With this result, PMU now stands a point clear of Cavalier SC, who faltered despite a strong start in their clash against Mt Pleasant FA. Cavalier led 2-0 going into the final moments but were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw, echoing last season’s tense final against the same opponents.
Junior Grizelle was the star for Portmore United, netting both goals. Grizelle’s first came during added time at the end of the first half, and he doubled the lead with a second goal in the 50th minute. While Chapelton Maroons managed to halve the deficit thanks to a goal by Neshawn Bennett, it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
Meanwhile, in another thrilling encounter, Cavalier SC looked poised for victory with goals from Christopher Ainsworth in the 11th minute and Jalmaro Calvin in the 34th minute. However, Mt Pleasant FA’s Kimoni Bailey initiated a late comeback with a goal in the 83rd minute, before Tevin Shaw leveled the score during injury time, ensuring both teams shared the points.
Adding to the weekend’s drama, Arnett Gardens put an end to their three-game winless streak by defeating Molynes United 3-0. Warner Brown was instrumental with two goals, complemented by a goal from Kimani Arbouine.
In an additional fixture, Vere United secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Dunbeholden. Alex Gayle set the pace with a goal in the 20th minute, followed by a late flourish from Romarion Thomas, who scored twice in the dying minutes plus extra time, sealing the win.
This weekend’s matches have shaken up the standings, with teams displaying resilience and tenacity across the board. As the league progresses, fans can look forward to more thrilling contests in the quest for the championship.
Reported by Paul A Reid
