https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/ Sun, 17 May 2026 04:41:31 +0000 MyBB https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-130.html Mon, 04 Jun 2018 23:33:33 +0100 fbjnewsie]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-130.html
Both Jamaican clubs would have preferred to be contesting the prestigious CONCACAF Scotiabank Champions League, but missed out on that opportunity when they failed to lift the crown of the FLOW CONCACAF Caribbean Championship staged at Arnett's Anthony Spaulding home ground recently.

The home team had to settle for the runner-up spot after losing 6-5 on penalties to the Dominican Republic outfit Club Atletico Pantoja.

Portmore ended third in the tournament, edging Trinidad and Tobago's Central FC 2-1.

At the Scotiabank CONCACAF League draw in Miami last week, Arnett Gardens were drawn to face Panamanian outfit Club Deportivo Arabe Unido, while current Red Stripe Premier League champion Portmore were selected to get the ball rolling against Costa Rica's AD Santos de Guapiles, the 2017 beaten finalists.

Arnett Gardens head coach Jerome Waite, who attended the Miami draw event, believes there is a lot to be gained playing in the CONCACAF League, and that it sets the stage for young players to showcase their talent.

“Teams here will know that they can not only compete for the Champions League, but the second-tier Concacaf League and add to that, you can also get good prize money.

“Now that we have so many competitions being put forward in our region [it] can only help development and give many players in our region the opportunity to advance themselves. It goes without saying that the more you play outside of your country at a higher level, the more your players will improve,” the coach told the Jamaica Observer recently.

Waite, who has led the south St Andrew-based club to their last Premier League title in 2016/2017 season, supports the view that regional clubs and national teams have seen more opportunities at development with CONCACAF's new subregional and confederation-wide competitions.

“Concacaf is really doing a good job, and the Nations League coming up for the national teams throughout the region is something that will be electrifying because everybody will be given an opportunity to be a part of it.

“This, plus the Caribbean Club Shield, the Caribbean Cup, the Concacaf Championships League and the Concacaf League, is all good for our region, as the more competitions put forward can only be good for our football,” said Waite, Jamaica's assistant senior men's coach.

He said Arnett's opponent emerging from the CONCACAF League draw last Wednesday is “no doubt one of the strongest teams in this Concacaf competition”.

Portmore, meantime, are qualifying for their second-consecutive Concacaf League. The successful Jamaican club, competing in the inaugural staging of the knockout competition, went down to Panama's Plaza Amador in the first round.

Now, the Shavar Thomas-coached club faces another tough test as it is pitted against AD Santos de Guapiles of Costa Rica.

“As I have been saying over the weeks, when you are playing in international club competition at this stage there are no walkover teams.

“We are relishing the challenge and our players will be ready when we come up against them in terms of our preparation, as this is the type of competitions we want to play year in, year out,” said the former Reggae Boyz captain.

Thomas argued that participating in the CONCACAF League is in keeping with the club's goal of spreading its wings in creating the stage from which its players can market themselves.

“This is the platform we can showcase our talent and the quality we possess at Portmore, and it is a big stage for the club as well to showcase what we have here in Jamaica,” he noted.

Honduran club Olimpia is the defending CONCACAF League champions, getting the better of Santos de Guapiles 4-1 on penalties in the final.]]>
Both Jamaican clubs would have preferred to be contesting the prestigious CONCACAF Scotiabank Champions League, but missed out on that opportunity when they failed to lift the crown of the FLOW CONCACAF Caribbean Championship staged at Arnett's Anthony Spaulding home ground recently.

The home team had to settle for the runner-up spot after losing 6-5 on penalties to the Dominican Republic outfit Club Atletico Pantoja.

Portmore ended third in the tournament, edging Trinidad and Tobago's Central FC 2-1.

At the Scotiabank CONCACAF League draw in Miami last week, Arnett Gardens were drawn to face Panamanian outfit Club Deportivo Arabe Unido, while current Red Stripe Premier League champion Portmore were selected to get the ball rolling against Costa Rica's AD Santos de Guapiles, the 2017 beaten finalists.

Arnett Gardens head coach Jerome Waite, who attended the Miami draw event, believes there is a lot to be gained playing in the CONCACAF League, and that it sets the stage for young players to showcase their talent.

“Teams here will know that they can not only compete for the Champions League, but the second-tier Concacaf League and add to that, you can also get good prize money.

“Now that we have so many competitions being put forward in our region [it] can only help development and give many players in our region the opportunity to advance themselves. It goes without saying that the more you play outside of your country at a higher level, the more your players will improve,” the coach told the Jamaica Observer recently.

Waite, who has led the south St Andrew-based club to their last Premier League title in 2016/2017 season, supports the view that regional clubs and national teams have seen more opportunities at development with CONCACAF's new subregional and confederation-wide competitions.

“Concacaf is really doing a good job, and the Nations League coming up for the national teams throughout the region is something that will be electrifying because everybody will be given an opportunity to be a part of it.

“This, plus the Caribbean Club Shield, the Caribbean Cup, the Concacaf Championships League and the Concacaf League, is all good for our region, as the more competitions put forward can only be good for our football,” said Waite, Jamaica's assistant senior men's coach.

He said Arnett's opponent emerging from the CONCACAF League draw last Wednesday is “no doubt one of the strongest teams in this Concacaf competition”.

Portmore, meantime, are qualifying for their second-consecutive Concacaf League. The successful Jamaican club, competing in the inaugural staging of the knockout competition, went down to Panama's Plaza Amador in the first round.

Now, the Shavar Thomas-coached club faces another tough test as it is pitted against AD Santos de Guapiles of Costa Rica.

“As I have been saying over the weeks, when you are playing in international club competition at this stage there are no walkover teams.

“We are relishing the challenge and our players will be ready when we come up against them in terms of our preparation, as this is the type of competitions we want to play year in, year out,” said the former Reggae Boyz captain.

Thomas argued that participating in the CONCACAF League is in keeping with the club's goal of spreading its wings in creating the stage from which its players can market themselves.

“This is the platform we can showcase our talent and the quality we possess at Portmore, and it is a big stage for the club as well to showcase what we have here in Jamaica,” he noted.

Honduran club Olimpia is the defending CONCACAF League champions, getting the better of Santos de Guapiles 4-1 on penalties in the final.]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-116.html Sun, 15 Oct 2017 15:45:22 +0100 fbjnewsie]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-116.html
Last year's beaten finalists are one of four teams topping the league on points, but they enjoy pole position based on goal difference, and coach Shavar Thomas wants his charges to stamp their class and separate themselves from the rest.

"What we are looking for is maximum points," said Thomas ahead of today's game, adding that "we have to create a distance between ourselves and the others".

Thomas continued: "In saying that, I am fully aware of the qualities of Waterhouse and will not be taking them for granted or even attempt to look past them. Based on my observation, I would say that defensively, they are solid and have not given up much in that area, and that is what we have to target."

Potential To Unlock
 

To get the better of the home team, Thomas will be looking to the return of national representatives Ewan Grandison and Ricardo Morris to give them the required lift.

"They are senior players in the squad. Ewan is the captain, and his presence will help the team tremendously. They also bring quality to the team. Ewan is very steady, and Ricardo has the potential to unlock any defence once he is tuned in, and we will be looking to him to bring that quality," explained the man who has represented the country at every level.

Waterhouse's Richard McCallum, who, last week, came out of retirement to don the gloves, said his team's performance so far has been a mixed one. This, he said, is evidenced by the fact that they have drawn all three of their matches.

"Clearly, we are doing some things right, but equally clear is the fact that we are doing some things wrong also.

"Among the positives is the fact that we are tight defensively in that we have not conceded a lot of goals. Also, we are getting free in front of goal and getting chances, but we need to be more clinical in front of goal and convert these chances. We need to improve on that," said the former national goalkeeper.

His team, McCallum added, intends to make the most of the opportunities they will get to change their fortunes.

"We have looked at all our opponents in the same way. They are just teams that we have to beat so we treat Portmore United no different from how we treat Arnett Gardens, Boys' Town, or Sandals South Coast. They are all the same, and we just see them as obstacles in our way," McCallum said.

Bright Talent
 

Today, he said, would be as good a time as any to get their first win.

"We are in a good place right now as all the players are fit and ready. No one is suspended. We have no injuries, so the coach has a full squad from which to select," he said.

Waterhouse lost the services of the veteran Romario Campbell to Humble Lion and the bright talent of Rodave Murray to studies in the United States but were boosted by the addition of Tramaine Stewart, especially, and he will be important to their offensive chances. The former Portmore United player will be eager to get one over his former club, who would be looking to the exciting Malique Foster to tease the Waterhouse defence.

Craig Foster is averaging more than a goal a game, and he will be looking to continue that run when his Reno FC play away to Boys' Town at Barbican, while Humble Lion will be looking to stop the rot when they host defending champions Arnett Gardens.

Sandals South Coast earned their first point of the season when they fought to a 0-0 away draw with Harbour View. Today, they go up against fellow promoted team Cavalier FC and will be thinking that they can add to their points tally.

Montego Bay United have looked a shadow of themselves this season and will be punished if they continue in a similar vein when they play away to UWI FC.



Today's Games
 

- 3:30 p.m: Boys Town vs Reno - Barbican Complex

- 3:30 p.m: Humble Lion vs Arnett Gardens - Effortville Community

- 3:30 p.m: Sandals South Coast vs Cavalier - Frome Complex

- 3:30 p.m: UWI FC vs Montego Bay United - UWI Mona Bowl

- 3:30 p.m: Waterhouse vs Portmore United - Drewsland Stadium

 

Tomorrow's Game
 

- 8:35 p.m: Tivoli Gardens vs Harbour View - Anthony Spaulding Complex

 

POINTS STANDING
 

Teams P W D L GF GA GD Pts

Portmore 3 2 1 0 6 1 5 7

UWI FC 3 2 1 0 6 3 3 7

Arnett 3 2 1 0 5 2 3 7

Reno 3 2 1 0 4 2 2 7

H.View 3 1 2 0 2 1 1 5

Waterhouse 3 0 3 0 3 3 0 3

B.Town 3 1 0 2 3 4 -1 3

Humble Lion FC 3 1 0 2 4 6 -2 3

Cavalier 3 1 0 2 2 3 -1 0

MoBay United 3 0 1 2 2 4 -2 1

Tivoli 3 0 1 2 1 3 -2 1

Sandals 3 0 1 2 1 7 -6 1]]>
Last year's beaten finalists are one of four teams topping the league on points, but they enjoy pole position based on goal difference, and coach Shavar Thomas wants his charges to stamp their class and separate themselves from the rest.

"What we are looking for is maximum points," said Thomas ahead of today's game, adding that "we have to create a distance between ourselves and the others".

Thomas continued: "In saying that, I am fully aware of the qualities of Waterhouse and will not be taking them for granted or even attempt to look past them. Based on my observation, I would say that defensively, they are solid and have not given up much in that area, and that is what we have to target."

Potential To Unlock
 

To get the better of the home team, Thomas will be looking to the return of national representatives Ewan Grandison and Ricardo Morris to give them the required lift.

"They are senior players in the squad. Ewan is the captain, and his presence will help the team tremendously. They also bring quality to the team. Ewan is very steady, and Ricardo has the potential to unlock any defence once he is tuned in, and we will be looking to him to bring that quality," explained the man who has represented the country at every level.

Waterhouse's Richard McCallum, who, last week, came out of retirement to don the gloves, said his team's performance so far has been a mixed one. This, he said, is evidenced by the fact that they have drawn all three of their matches.

"Clearly, we are doing some things right, but equally clear is the fact that we are doing some things wrong also.

"Among the positives is the fact that we are tight defensively in that we have not conceded a lot of goals. Also, we are getting free in front of goal and getting chances, but we need to be more clinical in front of goal and convert these chances. We need to improve on that," said the former national goalkeeper.

His team, McCallum added, intends to make the most of the opportunities they will get to change their fortunes.

"We have looked at all our opponents in the same way. They are just teams that we have to beat so we treat Portmore United no different from how we treat Arnett Gardens, Boys' Town, or Sandals South Coast. They are all the same, and we just see them as obstacles in our way," McCallum said.

Bright Talent
 

Today, he said, would be as good a time as any to get their first win.

"We are in a good place right now as all the players are fit and ready. No one is suspended. We have no injuries, so the coach has a full squad from which to select," he said.

Waterhouse lost the services of the veteran Romario Campbell to Humble Lion and the bright talent of Rodave Murray to studies in the United States but were boosted by the addition of Tramaine Stewart, especially, and he will be important to their offensive chances. The former Portmore United player will be eager to get one over his former club, who would be looking to the exciting Malique Foster to tease the Waterhouse defence.

Craig Foster is averaging more than a goal a game, and he will be looking to continue that run when his Reno FC play away to Boys' Town at Barbican, while Humble Lion will be looking to stop the rot when they host defending champions Arnett Gardens.

Sandals South Coast earned their first point of the season when they fought to a 0-0 away draw with Harbour View. Today, they go up against fellow promoted team Cavalier FC and will be thinking that they can add to their points tally.

Montego Bay United have looked a shadow of themselves this season and will be punished if they continue in a similar vein when they play away to UWI FC.



Today's Games
 

- 3:30 p.m: Boys Town vs Reno - Barbican Complex

- 3:30 p.m: Humble Lion vs Arnett Gardens - Effortville Community

- 3:30 p.m: Sandals South Coast vs Cavalier - Frome Complex

- 3:30 p.m: UWI FC vs Montego Bay United - UWI Mona Bowl

- 3:30 p.m: Waterhouse vs Portmore United - Drewsland Stadium

 

Tomorrow's Game
 

- 8:35 p.m: Tivoli Gardens vs Harbour View - Anthony Spaulding Complex

 

POINTS STANDING
 

Teams P W D L GF GA GD Pts

Portmore 3 2 1 0 6 1 5 7

UWI FC 3 2 1 0 6 3 3 7

Arnett 3 2 1 0 5 2 3 7

Reno 3 2 1 0 4 2 2 7

H.View 3 1 2 0 2 1 1 5

Waterhouse 3 0 3 0 3 3 0 3

B.Town 3 1 0 2 3 4 -1 3

Humble Lion FC 3 1 0 2 4 6 -2 3

Cavalier 3 1 0 2 2 3 -1 0

MoBay United 3 0 1 2 2 4 -2 1

Tivoli 3 0 1 2 1 3 -2 1

Sandals 3 0 1 2 1 7 -6 1]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-114.html Tue, 18 Jul 2017 21:55:55 +0100 fbjnewsie]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-114.html
Sandy Bay FC lead 3-0 after winning Saturday's first leg, also played at Watson Taylor Park.

Meanwhile, the other semi-final tie is in the balance after mid-season champions Super Star YC and Grand Palladium ended 1-1 at Watson Taylor Park on Sunday.

Linval Galloway had given Super Star the lead in the 52nd minute only for Renaldo Jewhill to level the scores in the 79th minute going into the return-leg on Wednesday.

On Saturday, Hugh Parker scored his first two goals of the season to stake his team to a 2-0 lead after just 15 minutes.

Parker scored in the fourth and 15th minutes, while an own goal in the 64th minute from Bradwayne Whitmore made it 3-0.]]>
Sandy Bay FC lead 3-0 after winning Saturday's first leg, also played at Watson Taylor Park.

Meanwhile, the other semi-final tie is in the balance after mid-season champions Super Star YC and Grand Palladium ended 1-1 at Watson Taylor Park on Sunday.

Linval Galloway had given Super Star the lead in the 52nd minute only for Renaldo Jewhill to level the scores in the 79th minute going into the return-leg on Wednesday.

On Saturday, Hugh Parker scored his first two goals of the season to stake his team to a 2-0 lead after just 15 minutes.

Parker scored in the fourth and 15th minutes, while an own goal in the 64th minute from Bradwayne Whitmore made it 3-0.]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-112.html Fri, 23 Jun 2017 22:10:32 +0100 fbjnewsie]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-112.html
Meanwhile, second-placed Sandals South Coast and third-placed Priory SA will square off in the other encounter at the former's Crocs Lawn base in Westmoreland. Both games are scheduled for 3:30 pm.

Cavalier, who are currently atop on five points, will be heading into today's contest confident of keeping their unbeaten record intact, having won once and drawn twice. Rivoli will be aiming to recover from a 0-1 loss to Priory SA on last.

It has been quite the ride for both sides thus far, as the last meeting between the two former Premier League outfits ended in a 1-1 stalemate with the KSAFA champions coming from behind to earn a share of the spoils with the South Central winners.

However, while Cavalier stand out as a vibrant contender to move forward, Rivoli United's chances of booking a ticket to the 2017/18 Red Stripe Premier League season is hanging in the balance and they will be optimistic of once again getting the jump on the opponents and holding it to the end.

Head Coach Rudolph Speid is cognisant that it will, by no means, be an easy task with Rivoli United now aiming to keep their hopes alive, as they are rooted at the foot of the four-team table with one point.

“This game is going to be even harder than the first one because Rivoli is wounded. They lost their last game and I think we are really going to have to work hard to get the win because they will be coming hard,” Speid told the Jamaica Observer shortly after their 1-1 draw with Sandals South Coast on Sunday.

The St Catherine-based Rivoli are expected to be led by Liston James, Kenny Lee, Own Walters, Davion Alves, Jeremy Nelson, and Don Reid in the hunt for their first win to keep pace with the leaders.

Former St George's College standout Alex Marshall will lead the youthful Cavalier unit from the front, with National Under-17 representative Kaheem Paris, Swayne Thomas, Ryan Miller, Nicholas Hamilton and Oshane Jenkins also expected to play prominent roles throughout the contest.

The other contest between Eastern Confederation champions Priory Soccer Academy from St Ann and the Western Confederation champions Sandals South Coast from Westmoreland is also expected to be a mouth-watering clash.

There is very little to separate the two clubs, who ended goalless when they last met, but with home court advantage and experience in their favour, Sandals South Coast might have the slight edge.

They are in second on five points with a slightly inferior goal difference to Cavalier, with Priory SA, formerly Volvo, hovering closely behind on four points. the results of today's contest could, to some extent, make or break the chances of either team's progression.

Aaron Lawrence, coach of Sandals South Coast, explained the significance of today's results.

“We just have to do what we have to do when they come here and win that game. The competition remains open for both teams, so once we do our job and win this game and try getting a point away, then we will be alright,” Lawrence told the Observer.

But Priory have proved that they can hold their own on a big stage following their crucial 1-0 win over Rivoli United on last, and they will be brimming with confidence of securing a second consecutive victory.

However, tactics and defensive solidity could prove the difference along with form, and both teams have vast potential but are still yet to display their best football. Fans can expect a tight match, from two clubs that have plenty to lose.

Romaine Bennett, Ron Daley, Junior Neil and Shemar Wright will carry the Sandals South Coast attack, while Dario Stewart, Mario Gordon, Carlos Barrett, Shimar Stewart and Aliem Campbell are expected to be point men in the Priory team.]]>
Meanwhile, second-placed Sandals South Coast and third-placed Priory SA will square off in the other encounter at the former's Crocs Lawn base in Westmoreland. Both games are scheduled for 3:30 pm.

Cavalier, who are currently atop on five points, will be heading into today's contest confident of keeping their unbeaten record intact, having won once and drawn twice. Rivoli will be aiming to recover from a 0-1 loss to Priory SA on last.

It has been quite the ride for both sides thus far, as the last meeting between the two former Premier League outfits ended in a 1-1 stalemate with the KSAFA champions coming from behind to earn a share of the spoils with the South Central winners.

However, while Cavalier stand out as a vibrant contender to move forward, Rivoli United's chances of booking a ticket to the 2017/18 Red Stripe Premier League season is hanging in the balance and they will be optimistic of once again getting the jump on the opponents and holding it to the end.

Head Coach Rudolph Speid is cognisant that it will, by no means, be an easy task with Rivoli United now aiming to keep their hopes alive, as they are rooted at the foot of the four-team table with one point.

“This game is going to be even harder than the first one because Rivoli is wounded. They lost their last game and I think we are really going to have to work hard to get the win because they will be coming hard,” Speid told the Jamaica Observer shortly after their 1-1 draw with Sandals South Coast on Sunday.

The St Catherine-based Rivoli are expected to be led by Liston James, Kenny Lee, Own Walters, Davion Alves, Jeremy Nelson, and Don Reid in the hunt for their first win to keep pace with the leaders.

Former St George's College standout Alex Marshall will lead the youthful Cavalier unit from the front, with National Under-17 representative Kaheem Paris, Swayne Thomas, Ryan Miller, Nicholas Hamilton and Oshane Jenkins also expected to play prominent roles throughout the contest.

The other contest between Eastern Confederation champions Priory Soccer Academy from St Ann and the Western Confederation champions Sandals South Coast from Westmoreland is also expected to be a mouth-watering clash.

There is very little to separate the two clubs, who ended goalless when they last met, but with home court advantage and experience in their favour, Sandals South Coast might have the slight edge.

They are in second on five points with a slightly inferior goal difference to Cavalier, with Priory SA, formerly Volvo, hovering closely behind on four points. the results of today's contest could, to some extent, make or break the chances of either team's progression.

Aaron Lawrence, coach of Sandals South Coast, explained the significance of today's results.

“We just have to do what we have to do when they come here and win that game. The competition remains open for both teams, so once we do our job and win this game and try getting a point away, then we will be alright,” Lawrence told the Observer.

But Priory have proved that they can hold their own on a big stage following their crucial 1-0 win over Rivoli United on last, and they will be brimming with confidence of securing a second consecutive victory.

However, tactics and defensive solidity could prove the difference along with form, and both teams have vast potential but are still yet to display their best football. Fans can expect a tight match, from two clubs that have plenty to lose.

Romaine Bennett, Ron Daley, Junior Neil and Shemar Wright will carry the Sandals South Coast attack, while Dario Stewart, Mario Gordon, Carlos Barrett, Shimar Stewart and Aliem Campbell are expected to be point men in the Priory team.]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-108.html Thu, 15 Jun 2017 09:48:46 +0100 fbjnewsie]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-108.html
Thomas opened and closed the scoring in the 13th and 84th minutes, with substitute Ryan Miller (81st) getting the other in front of a moderate crowd at the Stadium East field yesterday.

The win placed the Corporate Area champions on four points, like Western Confederation champions Sandals South Coast, but with a slightly better goal difference.

Sandals South Coast got by South Central winners Rivoli United 2-1, courtesy of goals from Ron Daley (11th) and Junior Neil (58th), while Codean Smikle (20th) was the scorer for the losing team in the other encounter at Cros Lawn in Westmoreland.

Both Cavalier and Sandals South Coast are now set to square off in a top-of-the-table clash in Sunday's third set of games, while Rivoli United and Eastern Confederation champions Priory Soccer Academy from St Ann will meet in the other contest.

Unlike what they did on Sunday, Cavalier SC were slow out the blocks, as Priory SA looked very purposeful in the early exchanges and briefly worried their opponents' backline, but failed in their bid to break the deadlock.

The hosts gradually increased the tempo shortly after and grabbed the ascendancy when Thomas picked up a pass from Nicholas Hamilton and slotted past custodian Donovan Hinds in goal for Priory SA.

The score would remain unchanged at the break, as Cavalier failed to capitalise on their dominance in the attacking third, while at the other end, Prior SA relied on speculative efforts.

However, the St Ann-based team, formerly Volvo United, came alive on the resumption and applied consistent pressure, which saw them breaching Cavalier's defence on a number of occasions, but were denied by faulty shooting.

On the hour mark, Cavalier gradually broke free, but they too lacked composure in the final third.

It was not until the latter stages of the contest with the introduction of National Under-17 representative Kaheem Paris, as well as Ryan Miller, that they finally extended their lead with the Priory team seemingly running on fumes.

Miller was on hand to head home from close range, after goalkeeper Hinds failed to cleanly handle a cross from former St George's College stalwart Alex Marshall.

Priory responded with a last-ditch effort a minute later, but custodian Jeadine White, who was also a part of the National Under-17 set-up, threw himself to the left to parry a right-footed effort from substitute Romain Walsh.

Thomas returned to put the icing on the cake when he picked up a pass from Paris, before dismissing the hapless Hinds and rifling his shot into the top of the net.

Though pleased with the three points, Cavalier's Head Coach Rudolph Speid expressed disappointment with the overall display and demeanour of the team.

“Well, first of all, we are pleased for the victory because the three points are what matters most, but I wasn't satisfied with the game. We were selfish in front of goal; we tried to score when we could have passed the ball and of course in a tight game it could be the only chance, so I'm not pleased about that,” he told journalists in a post-game interview.

His counterpart Courtney Dodd felt his team failed to show when it really mattered most.

“We played poorly today (yesterday); we didn't mark well and we didn't play well on a whole. We lacked concentration and fight was missing today. So we just have to rebound and come back for maximum points in the next game,” he lamented.]]>
Thomas opened and closed the scoring in the 13th and 84th minutes, with substitute Ryan Miller (81st) getting the other in front of a moderate crowd at the Stadium East field yesterday.

The win placed the Corporate Area champions on four points, like Western Confederation champions Sandals South Coast, but with a slightly better goal difference.

Sandals South Coast got by South Central winners Rivoli United 2-1, courtesy of goals from Ron Daley (11th) and Junior Neil (58th), while Codean Smikle (20th) was the scorer for the losing team in the other encounter at Cros Lawn in Westmoreland.

Both Cavalier and Sandals South Coast are now set to square off in a top-of-the-table clash in Sunday's third set of games, while Rivoli United and Eastern Confederation champions Priory Soccer Academy from St Ann will meet in the other contest.

Unlike what they did on Sunday, Cavalier SC were slow out the blocks, as Priory SA looked very purposeful in the early exchanges and briefly worried their opponents' backline, but failed in their bid to break the deadlock.

The hosts gradually increased the tempo shortly after and grabbed the ascendancy when Thomas picked up a pass from Nicholas Hamilton and slotted past custodian Donovan Hinds in goal for Priory SA.

The score would remain unchanged at the break, as Cavalier failed to capitalise on their dominance in the attacking third, while at the other end, Prior SA relied on speculative efforts.

However, the St Ann-based team, formerly Volvo United, came alive on the resumption and applied consistent pressure, which saw them breaching Cavalier's defence on a number of occasions, but were denied by faulty shooting.

On the hour mark, Cavalier gradually broke free, but they too lacked composure in the final third.

It was not until the latter stages of the contest with the introduction of National Under-17 representative Kaheem Paris, as well as Ryan Miller, that they finally extended their lead with the Priory team seemingly running on fumes.

Miller was on hand to head home from close range, after goalkeeper Hinds failed to cleanly handle a cross from former St George's College stalwart Alex Marshall.

Priory responded with a last-ditch effort a minute later, but custodian Jeadine White, who was also a part of the National Under-17 set-up, threw himself to the left to parry a right-footed effort from substitute Romain Walsh.

Thomas returned to put the icing on the cake when he picked up a pass from Paris, before dismissing the hapless Hinds and rifling his shot into the top of the net.

Though pleased with the three points, Cavalier's Head Coach Rudolph Speid expressed disappointment with the overall display and demeanour of the team.

“Well, first of all, we are pleased for the victory because the three points are what matters most, but I wasn't satisfied with the game. We were selfish in front of goal; we tried to score when we could have passed the ball and of course in a tight game it could be the only chance, so I'm not pleased about that,” he told journalists in a post-game interview.

His counterpart Courtney Dodd felt his team failed to show when it really mattered most.

“We played poorly today (yesterday); we didn't mark well and we didn't play well on a whole. We lacked concentration and fight was missing today. So we just have to rebound and come back for maximum points in the next game,” he lamented.]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-104.html Mon, 05 Jun 2017 02:38:14 +0100 fbjnewsie]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-104.html
Both teams will battle for the nation's top football title next Monday at the National Stadium in Kingston, starting at 8:30 p.m.

"This is our second final in the Premier League in three seasons and it is a great feeling to be back after winning in 2015," Thompson who is popularly called 'Bigga' told The Gleaner after his team's training session last Tuesday at the Anthony Spaulding Complex in Trench Town.

"Portmore are in our way, we know that they are a good team. We have to be organised as we were against Montego Bay United and Humble Lion," the 33 year-old central defender reasoned.

"We have played two strong teams in the quarter-final and semi-final and overcome them, so it will be difficult for any team to beat us," he warned Portmore.

"We are not trying to do anything different at this stage. We started the season without top players such as Renae Lloyd, Vishinul Harris and Keneil Hyde. Now, we are at full strength with all players available.

"The chemistry in midfield wasn't there but with the players back, we are ready for Portmore," added Thompson who transferred from Boys' Town in 2014 and who also represented Norwegian side Notodden FC player.

Arnett Gardens started the season well but fell off during the third and final preliminary rounds and eventually finished sixth in the regular season. Thompson shared that the team decided to focus on the playoff portion of the season after falling behind in the league race and believes the Junglists are peaking at the right time.

"We realised that winning the regular season trophy for the team that end with most points was out of our reach. Then, we paced ourselves and peaked at the right time," the Arnett captain shared.

Arnett Gardens won national league titles in 1977, 2001, 2002 and 2015. They are hunting their fifth title.]]>
Both teams will battle for the nation's top football title next Monday at the National Stadium in Kingston, starting at 8:30 p.m.

"This is our second final in the Premier League in three seasons and it is a great feeling to be back after winning in 2015," Thompson who is popularly called 'Bigga' told The Gleaner after his team's training session last Tuesday at the Anthony Spaulding Complex in Trench Town.

"Portmore are in our way, we know that they are a good team. We have to be organised as we were against Montego Bay United and Humble Lion," the 33 year-old central defender reasoned.

"We have played two strong teams in the quarter-final and semi-final and overcome them, so it will be difficult for any team to beat us," he warned Portmore.

"We are not trying to do anything different at this stage. We started the season without top players such as Renae Lloyd, Vishinul Harris and Keneil Hyde. Now, we are at full strength with all players available.

"The chemistry in midfield wasn't there but with the players back, we are ready for Portmore," added Thompson who transferred from Boys' Town in 2014 and who also represented Norwegian side Notodden FC player.

Arnett Gardens started the season well but fell off during the third and final preliminary rounds and eventually finished sixth in the regular season. Thompson shared that the team decided to focus on the playoff portion of the season after falling behind in the league race and believes the Junglists are peaking at the right time.

"We realised that winning the regular season trophy for the team that end with most points was out of our reach. Then, we paced ourselves and peaked at the right time," the Arnett captain shared.

Arnett Gardens won national league titles in 1977, 2001, 2002 and 2015. They are hunting their fifth title.]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-103.html Mon, 05 Jun 2017 02:31:03 +0100 fbjnewsie]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-103.html
"There is not much difference (from last season) because we have the same team, except with the inclusion of Jeremie Lynch, but there is nothing different," he insisted.

 

Not Lacking Quality
 

Dixon noted that the team did not lack quality and underlined that the players still had the desire to get better every day.

"This team has a lot of quality players. Sometimes it's difficult to pick the starting team based on the quality, but this team understands what it takes to perform and to win," said Dixon. "They always have the drive to win because it's a mentality we develop in training, and it keeps them going, and they only can grow from strength to strength."

"They know that for them to be on top, they have to improve day by day, and they don't want to settle to be good players. They want to be the best, so they push each other, and they respond well to work," Dixon stated.

Portmore will face an Arnett Gardens team which is in its second final in three seasons and Dixon said that his players were excited and anxious about the test that awaits them.

"They (players) were disappointed last season, but they have that drive and want to make it better this time around, so we don't want to leave it to chance," he said.

"They are excited and they are anxious to be back at the finals. Losing to Montego Bay United in the final and to be back here is really a good job from the players. But we haven't play the final as yet, so we still have to be grounded. We still have to be focused and be ready to play."]]>
"There is not much difference (from last season) because we have the same team, except with the inclusion of Jeremie Lynch, but there is nothing different," he insisted.

 

Not Lacking Quality
 

Dixon noted that the team did not lack quality and underlined that the players still had the desire to get better every day.

"This team has a lot of quality players. Sometimes it's difficult to pick the starting team based on the quality, but this team understands what it takes to perform and to win," said Dixon. "They always have the drive to win because it's a mentality we develop in training, and it keeps them going, and they only can grow from strength to strength."

"They know that for them to be on top, they have to improve day by day, and they don't want to settle to be good players. They want to be the best, so they push each other, and they respond well to work," Dixon stated.

Portmore will face an Arnett Gardens team which is in its second final in three seasons and Dixon said that his players were excited and anxious about the test that awaits them.

"They (players) were disappointed last season, but they have that drive and want to make it better this time around, so we don't want to leave it to chance," he said.

"They are excited and they are anxious to be back at the finals. Losing to Montego Bay United in the final and to be back here is really a good job from the players. But we haven't play the final as yet, so we still have to be grounded. We still have to be focused and be ready to play."]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-102.html Mon, 05 Jun 2017 02:27:45 +0100 fbjnewsie]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-102.html
According to Whitmore, the first of two meetings aimed, among other things, at addressing some of the Premier League clubs' complaints and to try and build a stronger relationship between the national programme and top-tier clubs as it relates to player development, went well, noting that he had high expectations for the scheduled follow-up meeting.

Disappointed But Not Deterred
However, only Premier League coaches who are attached to the national programme showed for the second meeting. Although he is disappointed, Whitmore said that he is still interested in organising these forums in an effort to move local football forward.

"We tried to keep two meetings. One went well and was very successful. But only Andrew Price from Boys' Town; Jerome Waite, the assistant (senior team) coach representing Arnett Gardens; and Wendell Downswell from Reno, who were a part of the first meeting, returned for the second one.

"None of the Premier League coaches indicated that they would not be there, apart from Rod Underwood of MoBay United, who said that he wouldn't be available because of prior engagements and he would be leaving the island," Whitmore said.

"Over the years, we have heard Premier League clubs complaining, so what we are trying to do is build a relationship by bringing the programme to them and bring them up to date with what we intend to do from now to the Gold Cup.

"We want to get their input on the players that have been invited to camp and explain to them what we are looking for in a player and how they can help the players when we send these players back to their clubs. So any recommendations from them will be good for us. But that second meeting didn't happen," he said.

Whitmore believes that such meetings can only bring benefits for the nation's football programme and says that in the future, he will continue to try and organise such forums.

"This is the country's football, and anything for us to move forward as a nation, I am willing to work with it," Whitmore said.]]>
According to Whitmore, the first of two meetings aimed, among other things, at addressing some of the Premier League clubs' complaints and to try and build a stronger relationship between the national programme and top-tier clubs as it relates to player development, went well, noting that he had high expectations for the scheduled follow-up meeting.

Disappointed But Not Deterred
However, only Premier League coaches who are attached to the national programme showed for the second meeting. Although he is disappointed, Whitmore said that he is still interested in organising these forums in an effort to move local football forward.

"We tried to keep two meetings. One went well and was very successful. But only Andrew Price from Boys' Town; Jerome Waite, the assistant (senior team) coach representing Arnett Gardens; and Wendell Downswell from Reno, who were a part of the first meeting, returned for the second one.

"None of the Premier League coaches indicated that they would not be there, apart from Rod Underwood of MoBay United, who said that he wouldn't be available because of prior engagements and he would be leaving the island," Whitmore said.

"Over the years, we have heard Premier League clubs complaining, so what we are trying to do is build a relationship by bringing the programme to them and bring them up to date with what we intend to do from now to the Gold Cup.

"We want to get their input on the players that have been invited to camp and explain to them what we are looking for in a player and how they can help the players when we send these players back to their clubs. So any recommendations from them will be good for us. But that second meeting didn't happen," he said.

Whitmore believes that such meetings can only bring benefits for the nation's football programme and says that in the future, he will continue to try and organise such forums.

"This is the country's football, and anything for us to move forward as a nation, I am willing to work with it," Whitmore said.]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-95.html Mon, 06 Mar 2017 03:49:28 +0000 fbjnewsie]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-95.html
The Stars of the East are coming off 3-2 and 2-0 defeats to Boys' Town and Reno FC, respectively, in five days. Now, they will host the four-time national champions in a critical game for both teams. .

Harbour View have brought back former club stars such as Sean Fraser, Luton Shelton, McKauley Tulloch and Akeem Priestly to bolster their attack, but the team remains inconsistent. They are currently in ninth position on 27 points, just four above the relegation zone, and will hunt full points against the Junglists.

The Ludlow Bernard-coached team needs to get tighter in defence as they have conceded 32 goals in 25 matches.

Arnett are coming off a 1-0 win against Humble Lion and are now in sixth position on 38 points, just three adrift of fifthplace Portmore United, who are on 41 points. With the top six teams advancing to the championship play-offs at the completion of the third and final preliminary round, the battle for places is becoming hotter and hotter.

Arnett will look to super-sub Kemal Malcolm, Newton Sterling, captain Oneil 'Bigga' Thompson, Dicoy Williams and Ranike Anderson to get past the hosts.

 

Today's Games
 

- 3 p.m.: Harbour View vs Arnett Gardens at Harbour View Stadium

- 3:30 p.m.: Jamalco vs Maverley-Hughenden at Wembley Centre of Excellence in Clarendon

- 6 p.m.: Waterhouse vs Humble Lion at Drewsland Stadium


Tomorrow's Games
 
- 5:30 p.m.: UWI FC vs Tivoli Gardens at National Stadium

- 8 p.m.: Portmore United vs Boys' Town at National Stadium]]>
The Stars of the East are coming off 3-2 and 2-0 defeats to Boys' Town and Reno FC, respectively, in five days. Now, they will host the four-time national champions in a critical game for both teams. .

Harbour View have brought back former club stars such as Sean Fraser, Luton Shelton, McKauley Tulloch and Akeem Priestly to bolster their attack, but the team remains inconsistent. They are currently in ninth position on 27 points, just four above the relegation zone, and will hunt full points against the Junglists.

The Ludlow Bernard-coached team needs to get tighter in defence as they have conceded 32 goals in 25 matches.

Arnett are coming off a 1-0 win against Humble Lion and are now in sixth position on 38 points, just three adrift of fifthplace Portmore United, who are on 41 points. With the top six teams advancing to the championship play-offs at the completion of the third and final preliminary round, the battle for places is becoming hotter and hotter.

Arnett will look to super-sub Kemal Malcolm, Newton Sterling, captain Oneil 'Bigga' Thompson, Dicoy Williams and Ranike Anderson to get past the hosts.

 

Today's Games
 

- 3 p.m.: Harbour View vs Arnett Gardens at Harbour View Stadium

- 3:30 p.m.: Jamalco vs Maverley-Hughenden at Wembley Centre of Excellence in Clarendon

- 6 p.m.: Waterhouse vs Humble Lion at Drewsland Stadium


Tomorrow's Games
 
- 5:30 p.m.: UWI FC vs Tivoli Gardens at National Stadium

- 8 p.m.: Portmore United vs Boys' Town at National Stadium]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-92.html Mon, 06 Mar 2017 03:39:58 +0000 fbjnewsie]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-92.html
The game, scheduled to start at 3:00 pm, is set for Jamalco’s base at Wembley Centre of Excellence in Clarendon.

Both teams have endured a torrid time in the nation’s top flight thus far.

Jamalco, first-timers in the RSPL, are in danger of relegation after losing their last four games. They are 11th in the 12-team standing with 23 points from 25 games.

Maverley-Hughenden, who went numerous years outside of the Premier League football until promotion ahead of the 2016-17 campaign, are only one point better off than today’s opponents.

Maverley-Hughenden occupy 10th place, but while they have lost only once in their last five games, a string of three successive draws has left them just beyond the relegation zone.

The two teams with the fewest number of points at the end of 33 preliminary games will be demoted.

Conversely, the top two teams will automatically advance to the league semi-finals. The next four teams finishing between third and sixth will battle for the remaining two places.

In the 6:00 pm game at Drewsland Stadium, the resurgent former champions Waterhouse FC host last season’s semi-finalists Humble Lion FC. Waterhouse, who have won two of their last four games, are eighth with 27 points, while Humble Lion, who lost last time out, are third with 45 points.

At 7:00 pm, ninth-placed Harbour View FC (27 points) welcome sixth-placed Arnett Gardens FC (38 points) to Harbour View Stadium.

A double-header is on the cards tomorrow for the National Stadium.

Leaders The University of the West Indies (UWI) FC (47 points) are set to battle second-placed Tivoli Gardens FC (45 points) in the opener at 5:30 pm.

At 8:00 pm, fifth-placed Portmore United (41 points) tackle cellar team Boys’ Town FC (19 points).

Seventh-placed Reno FC (31 points) and RSPL champions Montego Bay United, who are fourth with 43 points, will be inactive this match day because of the latter’s participation in the Caribbean Football Union Club Championship.

Montego Bay are currently hosting Group C at Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall.

Today’s games

3:00 pm — Jamalco vs Maverley-Hughenden @ Wembley Centre

6:00 pm — Waterhouse vs Humble Lion @ Drewsland

7:00 pm — Harbour View vs Arnett Gardens @ Harbour View

Tomorrow’s games

5:30 pm — UWI vs Tivoli Gardens @ National Stadium

8:00 pm — Portmore United vs Boys’ Town @ National Stadium]]>
The game, scheduled to start at 3:00 pm, is set for Jamalco’s base at Wembley Centre of Excellence in Clarendon.

Both teams have endured a torrid time in the nation’s top flight thus far.

Jamalco, first-timers in the RSPL, are in danger of relegation after losing their last four games. They are 11th in the 12-team standing with 23 points from 25 games.

Maverley-Hughenden, who went numerous years outside of the Premier League football until promotion ahead of the 2016-17 campaign, are only one point better off than today’s opponents.

Maverley-Hughenden occupy 10th place, but while they have lost only once in their last five games, a string of three successive draws has left them just beyond the relegation zone.

The two teams with the fewest number of points at the end of 33 preliminary games will be demoted.

Conversely, the top two teams will automatically advance to the league semi-finals. The next four teams finishing between third and sixth will battle for the remaining two places.

In the 6:00 pm game at Drewsland Stadium, the resurgent former champions Waterhouse FC host last season’s semi-finalists Humble Lion FC. Waterhouse, who have won two of their last four games, are eighth with 27 points, while Humble Lion, who lost last time out, are third with 45 points.

At 7:00 pm, ninth-placed Harbour View FC (27 points) welcome sixth-placed Arnett Gardens FC (38 points) to Harbour View Stadium.

A double-header is on the cards tomorrow for the National Stadium.

Leaders The University of the West Indies (UWI) FC (47 points) are set to battle second-placed Tivoli Gardens FC (45 points) in the opener at 5:30 pm.

At 8:00 pm, fifth-placed Portmore United (41 points) tackle cellar team Boys’ Town FC (19 points).

Seventh-placed Reno FC (31 points) and RSPL champions Montego Bay United, who are fourth with 43 points, will be inactive this match day because of the latter’s participation in the Caribbean Football Union Club Championship.

Montego Bay are currently hosting Group C at Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall.

Today’s games

3:00 pm — Jamalco vs Maverley-Hughenden @ Wembley Centre

6:00 pm — Waterhouse vs Humble Lion @ Drewsland

7:00 pm — Harbour View vs Arnett Gardens @ Harbour View

Tomorrow’s games

5:30 pm — UWI vs Tivoli Gardens @ National Stadium

8:00 pm — Portmore United vs Boys’ Town @ National Stadium]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-90.html Sun, 26 Feb 2017 00:26:31 +0000 fbjnewsie]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-90.html
The contest is scheduled to start at 3:30 pm.

The Westmoreland-based Reno, who are using the venue in Santa Cruz while their home field at Frome is rehabilitated, are seventh in the 12-team RSPL table with 28 points from 22 matches.

Reno, most recently the national champions in the 1994-95 campaign, showed how dangerous they can be on the STETHS strip by spanking reigning champions Montego Bay United 2-0 last week. Their last five games have included three wins, one loss and a draw.

Arnett Gardens, the 2014-15 winners, are sixth with 31 points. They gave an indication of their attacking potency with a 4-1 thumping of Jamalco FC last time out. Arnett have recorded three victories and two defeats in their previous five.

Both teams are vying for the crucial sixth spot which offers a shot at a semi-finals berth.

The top two teams at the end of 33 preliminary games will automatically advance to the league semi-finals. The next four teams finishing between third and sixth will battle for the remaining two places.

The 11th- and 12th-placed teams will be relegated.

Also at 3:30 pm, 10th-placed Waterhouse FC entertain second-placed University of the West Indies (UWI) FC at Drewsland Stadium. Waterhouse have 22 points, while UWI, who only trail leaders Tivoli Gardens FC because of an inferior goal difference, have 42 points.

At Constant Spring field, 11th-placed Maverley-Hughenden FC (21 points) welcome third-placed Montego Bay United (42 points) in a 3:30 pm clash.

At 3:00 pm, ninth-placed Jamalco FC (23 points) take on fifth-placed Portmore United (37 points) at Wembley Centre of Excellence.

RSPL fans will be treated to a scheduled double-header tomorrow at the National Stadium in the first Monday evening action of the season.

Organisers have pitted last-placed Boys’ Town FC (16 points) against fourth-placed Humble Lion FC (39 points) at 5:30 pm.

At 8:00 pm, frontrunners Tivoli Gardens FC (42 points) battle eighth-placed Harbour View FC (24 points).

Today’s games

3:00 pm – Jamalco vs Portmore @ Wembley Centre

3:30 pm – Maverley-Hughenden vs Montego Bay @ Constant Spring

3:30 pm – Reno vs Arnett Gardens @ STETHS

3:30 pm – Waterhouse vs UWI @ Drewsland Stadium


Tomorrow’s games



5:30 pm – Boys’ Town vs Humble Lion @ National Stadium

8:00 pm – Tivoli Gardens vs Harbour View @ National Stadium]]>
The contest is scheduled to start at 3:30 pm.

The Westmoreland-based Reno, who are using the venue in Santa Cruz while their home field at Frome is rehabilitated, are seventh in the 12-team RSPL table with 28 points from 22 matches.

Reno, most recently the national champions in the 1994-95 campaign, showed how dangerous they can be on the STETHS strip by spanking reigning champions Montego Bay United 2-0 last week. Their last five games have included three wins, one loss and a draw.

Arnett Gardens, the 2014-15 winners, are sixth with 31 points. They gave an indication of their attacking potency with a 4-1 thumping of Jamalco FC last time out. Arnett have recorded three victories and two defeats in their previous five.

Both teams are vying for the crucial sixth spot which offers a shot at a semi-finals berth.

The top two teams at the end of 33 preliminary games will automatically advance to the league semi-finals. The next four teams finishing between third and sixth will battle for the remaining two places.

The 11th- and 12th-placed teams will be relegated.

Also at 3:30 pm, 10th-placed Waterhouse FC entertain second-placed University of the West Indies (UWI) FC at Drewsland Stadium. Waterhouse have 22 points, while UWI, who only trail leaders Tivoli Gardens FC because of an inferior goal difference, have 42 points.

At Constant Spring field, 11th-placed Maverley-Hughenden FC (21 points) welcome third-placed Montego Bay United (42 points) in a 3:30 pm clash.

At 3:00 pm, ninth-placed Jamalco FC (23 points) take on fifth-placed Portmore United (37 points) at Wembley Centre of Excellence.

RSPL fans will be treated to a scheduled double-header tomorrow at the National Stadium in the first Monday evening action of the season.

Organisers have pitted last-placed Boys’ Town FC (16 points) against fourth-placed Humble Lion FC (39 points) at 5:30 pm.

At 8:00 pm, frontrunners Tivoli Gardens FC (42 points) battle eighth-placed Harbour View FC (24 points).

Today’s games

3:00 pm – Jamalco vs Portmore @ Wembley Centre

3:30 pm – Maverley-Hughenden vs Montego Bay @ Constant Spring

3:30 pm – Reno vs Arnett Gardens @ STETHS

3:30 pm – Waterhouse vs UWI @ Drewsland Stadium


Tomorrow’s games



5:30 pm – Boys’ Town vs Humble Lion @ National Stadium

8:00 pm – Tivoli Gardens vs Harbour View @ National Stadium]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-89.html Sun, 26 Feb 2017 00:25:22 +0000 fbjnewsie]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-89.html
Perry Bartley, standing in for absent Boys’ Town Head Coach Andrew Price, saw his team take the lead through Rafiek Thomas in the eighth minute.

However, Humble Lion’s Jermaine Christian hit the equaliser in the 24th minute and Ricardo Dennis struck the winning goal for the Clarendon-based team in the 36th minute.

Boys’ Town are last in the 12-team standing, with 16 points from 23 games. Humble Lion, hunting a place in the RSPL semi-finals, are fourth with 42 points.

The top two teams at the end of 33 preliminary games will automatically advance to the league semi-finals. The next four teams finishing between third and sixth will battle for the remaining two places.

The two teams with fewest points will be relegated.

“The objective was to come out and dominate the first half and hold them for the second half. We made mistakes and we conceded goals,” experienced Boys’ Town’s wing back Xavian Virgo told journalists after the game.

Despite the victory, Humble Lion Coach Donovan Duckie walked away with some degree of displeasure.

“I’m very disappointed. You need to be more mature as a team if you have title intentions. We just did not do well tonight, but we give thanks for the result,” he said.

Former champions Boys’ Town, looking set to suffer the ignominy of demotion from the nation’s top-flight football competition, got a shot in the arm in the early exchanges.

Thomas — returning to the club after an unsuccessful stint with Humble Lion — got the opening goal.

But Christian settled Humble Lion with a low strike from inside the 18-yard box in the 24th minute.

Humble Lion, who opened cracks in the Boys’ Town defence in the first half, took the lead when Ricardo Dennis broke through on goal in the 36th minute to angle home a low effort.

Humble Lion had several chances to widen the advantage in the second period but failed to convert.

Teams:

Boys’ Town

— Shavon Wilson (Rushane Campbell 46th), Pierre McPherson, Ricardo Dennis, Anthony Dawes, Xavian Virgo, Garfield Gillespie, Chavaney Willis, Jamiel Hardware, Andrew Allen (Michael Campbell 65th), Shamar Nicholson, Rafiek Thomas (Orlando Brown 81st)


Subs not used: Kevon Wilson, Kimarley Fray, Tarique Campbell, Lennox Cargill

Booked: Gillespie (45th)

Humble Lion — Kadeem Davis, Ricardo Campbell, Kevon Reid, Hughan Gray, Dwayne Holmes, Jermaine Christian, Kevaughn Isaacs (Wolry Wolfe 67th), Ricardo Dennis (Gregory Lewis 67th), Leaughn Williams (Francois Swaby 61st), Devon Hodges, Andrew Vanzie

Subs not used: Sanchez Lloyd, Kirk Duckworth, Hugh Howell, Rafe Wolfe

Booked: Holmes (63rd)

Referee: Odette Hamilton

Assistant Referees: Stephanie-Dale Yee Sing, Jassett Kerr

Fourth official: Doyen Tummings

Match commissary: Norman Blair]]>
Perry Bartley, standing in for absent Boys’ Town Head Coach Andrew Price, saw his team take the lead through Rafiek Thomas in the eighth minute.

However, Humble Lion’s Jermaine Christian hit the equaliser in the 24th minute and Ricardo Dennis struck the winning goal for the Clarendon-based team in the 36th minute.

Boys’ Town are last in the 12-team standing, with 16 points from 23 games. Humble Lion, hunting a place in the RSPL semi-finals, are fourth with 42 points.

The top two teams at the end of 33 preliminary games will automatically advance to the league semi-finals. The next four teams finishing between third and sixth will battle for the remaining two places.

The two teams with fewest points will be relegated.

“The objective was to come out and dominate the first half and hold them for the second half. We made mistakes and we conceded goals,” experienced Boys’ Town’s wing back Xavian Virgo told journalists after the game.

Despite the victory, Humble Lion Coach Donovan Duckie walked away with some degree of displeasure.

“I’m very disappointed. You need to be more mature as a team if you have title intentions. We just did not do well tonight, but we give thanks for the result,” he said.

Former champions Boys’ Town, looking set to suffer the ignominy of demotion from the nation’s top-flight football competition, got a shot in the arm in the early exchanges.

Thomas — returning to the club after an unsuccessful stint with Humble Lion — got the opening goal.

But Christian settled Humble Lion with a low strike from inside the 18-yard box in the 24th minute.

Humble Lion, who opened cracks in the Boys’ Town defence in the first half, took the lead when Ricardo Dennis broke through on goal in the 36th minute to angle home a low effort.

Humble Lion had several chances to widen the advantage in the second period but failed to convert.

Teams:

Boys’ Town

— Shavon Wilson (Rushane Campbell 46th), Pierre McPherson, Ricardo Dennis, Anthony Dawes, Xavian Virgo, Garfield Gillespie, Chavaney Willis, Jamiel Hardware, Andrew Allen (Michael Campbell 65th), Shamar Nicholson, Rafiek Thomas (Orlando Brown 81st)


Subs not used: Kevon Wilson, Kimarley Fray, Tarique Campbell, Lennox Cargill

Booked: Gillespie (45th)

Humble Lion — Kadeem Davis, Ricardo Campbell, Kevon Reid, Hughan Gray, Dwayne Holmes, Jermaine Christian, Kevaughn Isaacs (Wolry Wolfe 67th), Ricardo Dennis (Gregory Lewis 67th), Leaughn Williams (Francois Swaby 61st), Devon Hodges, Andrew Vanzie

Subs not used: Sanchez Lloyd, Kirk Duckworth, Hugh Howell, Rafe Wolfe

Booked: Holmes (63rd)

Referee: Odette Hamilton

Assistant Referees: Stephanie-Dale Yee Sing, Jassett Kerr

Fourth official: Doyen Tummings

Match commissary: Norman Blair]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-88.html Sun, 26 Feb 2017 00:24:14 +0000 fbjnewsie]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-88.html
On Monday, they surrendered an early lead to fall 1-2 to struggling Harbour View FC in the feature game of a double-header at National Stadium.

In-form veteran attacker Jermaine Johnson gave Tivoli the lead in the sixth minute, but injury-troubled striker Luton Shelton (41st) and Kemar Bennett (62nd) gave Harbour View a surprise win.

Only last week, Tivoli Gardens — playing at home — went ahead, but were ambushed 2-3 by University of the West Indies (UWI).

Tivoli, who started the match day with the lead, fall to third with 42 points after two-straight defeats. They are a point behind leaders UWI.

Harbour View, who have won two on the trot in an otherwise dismal campaign so far, are eighth with 27 points.

“Execution [was missing]; we got a lot of chances today, even when Harbour View were 2-1 up, we got chances to score,” Gordon told the media during a post-match interview.

“The impact [on the RSPL points table] is not severe; it’s just about how we regroup and come again. It is football and winning and losing is a part of the game. You don’t want to be on the losing side, but we have to correct our errors and come again,” the Tivoli assistant coach added.

Shelton, who was previously playing club football in Russia and has been grounded by knee problems for the better part of two years, was pleased with Harbour View’s fightback.

“It was a very hard game and Tivoli are a competitive team. They are very aggressive and not an easy team to break down. We did well to take our chances and things look good going forward,” the former Reggae Boyz striker told the Jamaica Observer.

But it was all Tivoli in the first half in cool, evening conditions on Monday.

And the dominance told from as early the sixth minute when Junior McGregor fed a pass to Johnson, who held off a challenge before lodging into the net.

In the midst of a series of opportunities that fell to Tivoli, Marvin Stewart could have made it two-nil, but he cut inside a defender and shot weakly at goalkeeper Christian Kluvi from close range.

But Shelton, who appeared to be ambling about harmlessly for the opening 40 minutes, rose high to direct a header beyond the reach of goalkeeper Davin Watkins to shock Tivoli Gardens.

Shelton, after sustaining a knock, did not return for the second half, but his teammates slowly wrested the ascendancy.

It came as no surprise when Bennett bravely threw himself to turn in Hugh Evans’ swerving cross from the left side to give them the lead.

The hard-running Johnson crafted a couple of chances for Tivoli, but they failed to materialise into a goal.

Teams:

Tivoli Gardens — Davin Watkins, Kevin Graham, Barrington Pryce, Kemar Seivwright, Nicholas Smith, Marvin Stewart, Tevin Shaw, Miguel Ricketts (Ajuma Johnson 68th), Junior McGregor (Howard Morris 69th), Jermaine Johnson, Peter Keyes (Donavon Dawkins 72nd).

Subs not used: Nicholas Clarke, Rushane Facey, Jermaine Parris, Arthur Walters

Booked: Johnson (71st), Seivwright (85th)

Harbour View — Christian Kluvi, Hugh Evans, Javain Brown, Evan Taylor, Rashawn Mackison (John-Ross Edwards 68th), Nicholas Beckett, Fabian Grant, Kemar Bennett (Sheldon McKoy 81st), Akeem Priestly, McKauly Tulloch, Luton Shelton (Michael Martin 46th).

Subs not used: Devon Haughton, Damarley Oliver, Clayon Pusey, Andre Messam

Booked: Evans (90+5)

Referee: Dwight Royal

Assistant referees: Jermaine Yee Sing, Oyinco McTaggart

Fourth official: Okeito Nicholson

Match Commissary: Richard Nathan]]>
On Monday, they surrendered an early lead to fall 1-2 to struggling Harbour View FC in the feature game of a double-header at National Stadium.

In-form veteran attacker Jermaine Johnson gave Tivoli the lead in the sixth minute, but injury-troubled striker Luton Shelton (41st) and Kemar Bennett (62nd) gave Harbour View a surprise win.

Only last week, Tivoli Gardens — playing at home — went ahead, but were ambushed 2-3 by University of the West Indies (UWI).

Tivoli, who started the match day with the lead, fall to third with 42 points after two-straight defeats. They are a point behind leaders UWI.

Harbour View, who have won two on the trot in an otherwise dismal campaign so far, are eighth with 27 points.

“Execution [was missing]; we got a lot of chances today, even when Harbour View were 2-1 up, we got chances to score,” Gordon told the media during a post-match interview.

“The impact [on the RSPL points table] is not severe; it’s just about how we regroup and come again. It is football and winning and losing is a part of the game. You don’t want to be on the losing side, but we have to correct our errors and come again,” the Tivoli assistant coach added.

Shelton, who was previously playing club football in Russia and has been grounded by knee problems for the better part of two years, was pleased with Harbour View’s fightback.

“It was a very hard game and Tivoli are a competitive team. They are very aggressive and not an easy team to break down. We did well to take our chances and things look good going forward,” the former Reggae Boyz striker told the Jamaica Observer.

But it was all Tivoli in the first half in cool, evening conditions on Monday.

And the dominance told from as early the sixth minute when Junior McGregor fed a pass to Johnson, who held off a challenge before lodging into the net.

In the midst of a series of opportunities that fell to Tivoli, Marvin Stewart could have made it two-nil, but he cut inside a defender and shot weakly at goalkeeper Christian Kluvi from close range.

But Shelton, who appeared to be ambling about harmlessly for the opening 40 minutes, rose high to direct a header beyond the reach of goalkeeper Davin Watkins to shock Tivoli Gardens.

Shelton, after sustaining a knock, did not return for the second half, but his teammates slowly wrested the ascendancy.

It came as no surprise when Bennett bravely threw himself to turn in Hugh Evans’ swerving cross from the left side to give them the lead.

The hard-running Johnson crafted a couple of chances for Tivoli, but they failed to materialise into a goal.

Teams:

Tivoli Gardens — Davin Watkins, Kevin Graham, Barrington Pryce, Kemar Seivwright, Nicholas Smith, Marvin Stewart, Tevin Shaw, Miguel Ricketts (Ajuma Johnson 68th), Junior McGregor (Howard Morris 69th), Jermaine Johnson, Peter Keyes (Donavon Dawkins 72nd).

Subs not used: Nicholas Clarke, Rushane Facey, Jermaine Parris, Arthur Walters

Booked: Johnson (71st), Seivwright (85th)

Harbour View — Christian Kluvi, Hugh Evans, Javain Brown, Evan Taylor, Rashawn Mackison (John-Ross Edwards 68th), Nicholas Beckett, Fabian Grant, Kemar Bennett (Sheldon McKoy 81st), Akeem Priestly, McKauly Tulloch, Luton Shelton (Michael Martin 46th).

Subs not used: Devon Haughton, Damarley Oliver, Clayon Pusey, Andre Messam

Booked: Evans (90+5)

Referee: Dwight Royal

Assistant referees: Jermaine Yee Sing, Oyinco McTaggart

Fourth official: Okeito Nicholson

Match Commissary: Richard Nathan]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-87.html Sun, 26 Feb 2017 00:23:09 +0000 fbjnewsie]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-87.html
Allan Ottey was red-carded by Referee Weston Costly in the 70th minute for a nasty foul, but Montego Bay held their nerve and held on for a very good away point under the circumstances.

Montego Bay United, who halted a two-game losing skid, inched to 43 points. They are provisionally in second spot, while Maverley-Hughenden stay in the relegation zone in 11th spot on 22 points.

Playing with a man extra, Maverley failed to capitalise, and in fact came close to surrendering the lead after Owayne Gordon’s header crashed onto the crossbar in the 73rd minute. Earlier, Gordon watched as his curling free kick hit the upright in the 55th minute.

But Maverley would have the final chances of the game as Jamoy Sibbles’ long-range effort had the out-of-position goalkeeper Jacomeno Barrett scrambling, but it sailed just over the crossbar in the 89th minute.

Then substitute Narado Brown got a couple of half chances. The main one came when he collected the ball inside the box and turned onto his left foot, and was closed down in time added on. There was a sigh of relief from the Montego Bay fans when he opted not to shoot first time, and they thanked him.

But Brown’s decision was not taken well by his teammates, some of whom expressed their verbal disgust.

Maverley’s Coach Anthony Patrick saw his team fail to grab valuable points at home.

“Definitely, I think we played a little bit tight... but in the last few minutes we started to get at them and started to play,” noted Patrick.

“It was very good team performance, a gutsy performance from the entire team. We switched the system and played a 4-3-3 and I think it worked wonders for us, and we are very happy for the one point,” said Patrick.

Montego Bay’s Coach Dillon Thelwell praised his team for their strong display, despite playing with 10 men.

“I think today we showed character, fighting spirit and, as you noticed, we dominated the game right throughout — even with 10 players — creating chance after chance. But it was just one of those days when you fail to score and have to settle for a point,” said Thelwell.

Portmore United climb into fourth spot on 40 points after clipping Jamalco FC 2-1 at Wembley Centre of Excellence. Ricardo Morris and Jermie Lynch scored for Portmore United in the 34th and 54th minutes, respectively. Captain Shauntel Mundle — for the second-consecutive week — replied for Jamalco in the 71st minute in a losing cause. They remain in 10th spot on 23 points.

Former champions Arnett Gardens left it very late at St Elizabeth Technical field to edge Reno 1-0, courtesy of a strike in the first minute of stoppage time from Kemal Malcolm.

It was a crucial win for Arnett Gardens as they consolidated the sixth and final play-off spot with 34 points. They move six points clear of Reno, who are seventh on 28 points.

At Drewsland, home team Waterhouse FC and the University of the West Indies (UWI) battled to a 0-0 stalemate. Despite dropping two points, UWI provisionally move to the top of the league on 43 points by virtue of scoring a greater number of goals than Montego Bay.

Today, Tivoli Gardens (42 points) could return to the top when they tackle a Harbour View outfit in eighth spot on 24 points in the 8:00 pm feature game of a double-header inside the National Stadium tonight. In the 5:30 pm curtain-raiser, bottom-placed Boys’ Town (16 points) play fifth-placed Humble Lion (39 points).

Teams:

Maverley-Hughenden — Jovel Plunkett, Kasai Hinds, Robert Williams, Jahmari Ranger, Nackwayne Parchment, Troy Moulton, Raymond Williamson, Denario Thomas (Narada Brown 83rd), Jamoly Powell (Nicholas Scott 61st), Andrew Whyte, Jamoy Sibbles.

Subs not used: George Brown, Ricardo Thomas, Andrew Peddlar, Wayne Williams, Odane Samuels.

Booked: Raymond Williamson 32nd.

Montego Bay — Jacomena Barrett, Fabian McCarthy, Ladale Richie, Donovan Carey, Orlando McBayne, Dwayne Ambusley, Keneil Kirlew, Ronaldo Rodney (Johann Weatherly 80th), Allan Ottey, Owayne Gordon, Dino Williams.

Subs not used: David Swaby, John Barrett, Michael Heaven, Paigel Brwon, Ramone Sibley.

Booked: Fabian McCarthy 35th, Ladale Richie 87th, (Red: Allan Ottey 70th).

Referee: Weston Costly

Assistant referees: Lloyd Reader, Melvin Reid

Fourth official: Tyrone Robinson

Match commissary: Ainsley Sharpe]]>
Allan Ottey was red-carded by Referee Weston Costly in the 70th minute for a nasty foul, but Montego Bay held their nerve and held on for a very good away point under the circumstances.

Montego Bay United, who halted a two-game losing skid, inched to 43 points. They are provisionally in second spot, while Maverley-Hughenden stay in the relegation zone in 11th spot on 22 points.

Playing with a man extra, Maverley failed to capitalise, and in fact came close to surrendering the lead after Owayne Gordon’s header crashed onto the crossbar in the 73rd minute. Earlier, Gordon watched as his curling free kick hit the upright in the 55th minute.

But Maverley would have the final chances of the game as Jamoy Sibbles’ long-range effort had the out-of-position goalkeeper Jacomeno Barrett scrambling, but it sailed just over the crossbar in the 89th minute.

Then substitute Narado Brown got a couple of half chances. The main one came when he collected the ball inside the box and turned onto his left foot, and was closed down in time added on. There was a sigh of relief from the Montego Bay fans when he opted not to shoot first time, and they thanked him.

But Brown’s decision was not taken well by his teammates, some of whom expressed their verbal disgust.

Maverley’s Coach Anthony Patrick saw his team fail to grab valuable points at home.

“Definitely, I think we played a little bit tight... but in the last few minutes we started to get at them and started to play,” noted Patrick.

“It was very good team performance, a gutsy performance from the entire team. We switched the system and played a 4-3-3 and I think it worked wonders for us, and we are very happy for the one point,” said Patrick.

Montego Bay’s Coach Dillon Thelwell praised his team for their strong display, despite playing with 10 men.

“I think today we showed character, fighting spirit and, as you noticed, we dominated the game right throughout — even with 10 players — creating chance after chance. But it was just one of those days when you fail to score and have to settle for a point,” said Thelwell.

Portmore United climb into fourth spot on 40 points after clipping Jamalco FC 2-1 at Wembley Centre of Excellence. Ricardo Morris and Jermie Lynch scored for Portmore United in the 34th and 54th minutes, respectively. Captain Shauntel Mundle — for the second-consecutive week — replied for Jamalco in the 71st minute in a losing cause. They remain in 10th spot on 23 points.

Former champions Arnett Gardens left it very late at St Elizabeth Technical field to edge Reno 1-0, courtesy of a strike in the first minute of stoppage time from Kemal Malcolm.

It was a crucial win for Arnett Gardens as they consolidated the sixth and final play-off spot with 34 points. They move six points clear of Reno, who are seventh on 28 points.

At Drewsland, home team Waterhouse FC and the University of the West Indies (UWI) battled to a 0-0 stalemate. Despite dropping two points, UWI provisionally move to the top of the league on 43 points by virtue of scoring a greater number of goals than Montego Bay.

Today, Tivoli Gardens (42 points) could return to the top when they tackle a Harbour View outfit in eighth spot on 24 points in the 8:00 pm feature game of a double-header inside the National Stadium tonight. In the 5:30 pm curtain-raiser, bottom-placed Boys’ Town (16 points) play fifth-placed Humble Lion (39 points).

Teams:

Maverley-Hughenden — Jovel Plunkett, Kasai Hinds, Robert Williams, Jahmari Ranger, Nackwayne Parchment, Troy Moulton, Raymond Williamson, Denario Thomas (Narada Brown 83rd), Jamoly Powell (Nicholas Scott 61st), Andrew Whyte, Jamoy Sibbles.

Subs not used: George Brown, Ricardo Thomas, Andrew Peddlar, Wayne Williams, Odane Samuels.

Booked: Raymond Williamson 32nd.

Montego Bay — Jacomena Barrett, Fabian McCarthy, Ladale Richie, Donovan Carey, Orlando McBayne, Dwayne Ambusley, Keneil Kirlew, Ronaldo Rodney (Johann Weatherly 80th), Allan Ottey, Owayne Gordon, Dino Williams.

Subs not used: David Swaby, John Barrett, Michael Heaven, Paigel Brwon, Ramone Sibley.

Booked: Fabian McCarthy 35th, Ladale Richie 87th, (Red: Allan Ottey 70th).

Referee: Weston Costly

Assistant referees: Lloyd Reader, Melvin Reid

Fourth official: Tyrone Robinson

Match commissary: Ainsley Sharpe]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-86.html Sun, 26 Feb 2017 00:22:02 +0000 fbjnewsie]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-86.html
But the striker was clearly satisfied as his boyhood club Harbour View FC — boosted by his first-half goal — came from behind to clip fellow former champions Tivoli Gardens FC 2-1 in the Red Stripe Premier League encounter at National Stadium on Monday.

“I’ve been out of the game for the last two years because of injury and now I’m working on my fitness and my confidence to get back,” Shelton, who most recently played for FC Volga in Russia between 2013 and 2015, said after Monday’s win.

“While trying to get back into the game, I said I might as well play for Harbour View to try to help them and also see how much I can get from it. For a first game back it feels very good, and as a striker you always want to get that first goal and after that it becomes easier,” he added.

Shelton, 31, offered little threat throughout his time on the pitch, as he loped about, obviously lacking confidence and fitness following a problematic knee injury.

While lacking the blistering pace that helped him become the Reggae Boyz all-time scoring leader with 35 goals, Shelton soon had a telling impact in his comeback game.

Crafty off-the-ball movement came to the fore when he peeled away from the defence to direct a looping header into the goal to cancel Tivoli’s opening goal from fellow veteran Jermaine Johnson.

Shelton, who sustained a knock, was substituted at the break. However, a second-half strike from Kemar Bennett assured Harbour View all three points and condemned former leaders Tivoli to their second-straight loss.

“It wasn’t a very good game for me because I just started back playing this week, so I don’t have much fitness. It was good to get the goal and I know the rest will come after,” the former schoolboy star explained.

Shelton, who has also played in Sweden, England, Norway, Denmark and Turkey, is one of several Harbour View stalwarts who have returned to help the struggling former champions.

Sean Fraser and Akeem Priestly were on the scoresheet as Harbour View outscored Portmore United 3-2 last week.

“It feels very good because we are way down in the table and we have got some experienced players to come in and give their input. It’s the experience that was needed, because we had a lot of young kids before but now we are able to win,” Shelton said

Harbour View, who have lost 10 of their 23 games so far this season, have achieved two successive wins. They are eighth in the 12-team table with 27 points.]]>
But the striker was clearly satisfied as his boyhood club Harbour View FC — boosted by his first-half goal — came from behind to clip fellow former champions Tivoli Gardens FC 2-1 in the Red Stripe Premier League encounter at National Stadium on Monday.

“I’ve been out of the game for the last two years because of injury and now I’m working on my fitness and my confidence to get back,” Shelton, who most recently played for FC Volga in Russia between 2013 and 2015, said after Monday’s win.

“While trying to get back into the game, I said I might as well play for Harbour View to try to help them and also see how much I can get from it. For a first game back it feels very good, and as a striker you always want to get that first goal and after that it becomes easier,” he added.

Shelton, 31, offered little threat throughout his time on the pitch, as he loped about, obviously lacking confidence and fitness following a problematic knee injury.

While lacking the blistering pace that helped him become the Reggae Boyz all-time scoring leader with 35 goals, Shelton soon had a telling impact in his comeback game.

Crafty off-the-ball movement came to the fore when he peeled away from the defence to direct a looping header into the goal to cancel Tivoli’s opening goal from fellow veteran Jermaine Johnson.

Shelton, who sustained a knock, was substituted at the break. However, a second-half strike from Kemar Bennett assured Harbour View all three points and condemned former leaders Tivoli to their second-straight loss.

“It wasn’t a very good game for me because I just started back playing this week, so I don’t have much fitness. It was good to get the goal and I know the rest will come after,” the former schoolboy star explained.

Shelton, who has also played in Sweden, England, Norway, Denmark and Turkey, is one of several Harbour View stalwarts who have returned to help the struggling former champions.

Sean Fraser and Akeem Priestly were on the scoresheet as Harbour View outscored Portmore United 3-2 last week.

“It feels very good because we are way down in the table and we have got some experienced players to come in and give their input. It’s the experience that was needed, because we had a lot of young kids before but now we are able to win,” Shelton said

Harbour View, who have lost 10 of their 23 games so far this season, have achieved two successive wins. They are eighth in the 12-team table with 27 points.]]>