Hot MBU wary of top-six seeking Tivoli

Jamaica Premier League (JPL) leaders Montego Bay United (MBU) can stretch their lead atop the standings to nine points, when they take on Tivoli Gardens at Jarrett Park at 3 30 p.m. today, in one of two matches.

In the other game set to kick off at the same time, Racing United have a chance to reclaim third spot with a win against Molynes United at Ferdi Neita Park.

On Sunday, MBU turned in a statement performance with a sound 4-1 win over top six contenders Racing.

However, the western standard bearers have another tricky fixture today against the west Kingston-based Tivoli, who boosted their top six aspirations with a 2-0 win over Dunbeholden in their last match.

Tivoli are 10th in the table on 44 points, eight behind sixth-place Cavalier, and with only four matches (five for Tivoli), they need to win to stay in contention for a playoff spot.

MBU are, however, riding high but coach Xavier Gilbert remains wary of the desperation for points at this stage of the season.

"It's the business end of the season so everybody comes out hard, and especially when they are playing the leaders, people sharpen up and are motivated.

"We are mindful of that and we want to solidify our place in the top two. Hopefully, we can secure maximum points," he said.

Racing have slipped from second to fifth in the last few weeks, but can move back into third, on goal difference, if they can get the points against Molynes at Ferdi Neita Park.

However, the St Catherine-based Racing have lost two of their last three matches and have not won in eight.

Molynes, although battling the drop and sitting just two points above the relegation zone on 33, are on a high after consecutive victories over Spanish Town Police (9-0) and Arnett Gardens (3-0) and will fancy their chance of getting a result.

The league also continues tomorrow with a key fixture between seventh-place Arnett Gardens (46) against sixth-place Cavalier (52) in a direct battle for sixth spot.

Cavalier assistant coach David Laylor said a win would virtually seal their place in the playoffs.

"We were preparing for Arnett," he said after a comfortable 3-0 win over relegation strugglers Spanish Town Police on Monday.

"The game ahead of us now against Arnett is the all-important game. I think if we get a win we should be good," he stated.

Chapelton Maroons will also be looking to keep their top six hopes alive when they travel to Drax Hall to face Mount Pleasant.

Mount Pleasant (62) and Montego Bay (68) have already secured their playoff berths and are only focused on cementing their places in the top two.

However, Chapelton (46) need three points to stay in the hunt but will have their work cut out getting maximum points from the Caribbean champions.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

TODAY'S GAMES

Racing vs Molynes at Ferdi Neita Park

Montego Bay vs Tivoli at Jarrett Park

Both games kick off at 3:30 p.m.

THURSDAY'S GAMES

3:30 p.m: Spanish Town Police vs Portmore at Royal Lakes Complex

4:30 p.m: Dunbeholden vs Harbour View at Drewsland

7 p.m: Waterhouse vs Treasure Beach at Drewsland

7 p.m: Mount Pleasant vs Chapelton at Drax Hall

7 p.m: Arnett vs Cavalier at Anthony Spaulding Complex