Racing United returned to winning ways in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) after four matches without a win, beating 10-man Treasure Beach 4-1 at Ferdi Neita Park to climb back to the top of the standings on goal difference.
Goals from Nickyle Ellis (53rd), Javane Brown (59th), Chevany Willis (68th), and Mickyle Williams (90+6) saw the home team to a comfortable victory.
Treasure Beach defender Richard Brown was shown the red card after only 15 minutes. Nicholas Lawrence scored Treasure Beach’s consolation in the 66th minute.
The win pushed Racing to 32 points, the same as Montego Bay United, who play Tivoli Gardens FC today.
“We started a bit flat,” commented Racing coach Anthony Patrick.
“But we were still in charge of the game. Then the red card really hampered Treasure Beach, and then we started to play but weren’t playing with any urgency.
“I had to make some drastic decisions. I had to get mad at them, but we got four goals and three points, and that’s what’s important. Nevertheless, I am still not pleased.”
Racing controlled the first half and had a good opening from a corner after two minutes, but Giovanni Cunningham shot straight at goalkeeper Romario Palma from six yards.
In the 11th minute, Tajay Grant broke behind the Treasure Beach defence but also struck straight to Palma.
Daniel Hardy had Treasure Beach’s best effort of the first half, but goalkeeper Aaron Enill parried for a corner. The forward also had a great chance from the resulting corner but couldn’t direct a free header on target.
Treasure Beach were reduced to 10 men when Brown was sent off for a rash tackle on Dean Andre Thomas.
Although Racing had more room to operate afterwards, they only had two looks at goal through Thomas and Cunningham, but neither could beat Palma.
Treasure Beach also had a few good openings, but never troubled Enill.
After the break, Kadean Young tested Palma three times in the first six minutes.
Racing continued to threaten and Ellis finished off an excellent through ball from Grant to break the deadlock.
The hosts continued to pile on the pressure, and in the 59th minute Brown scored with a vicious volley from the top of the box to make it 2-0.
Treasure Beach showed some spirit and good football after falling further behind, and Lawrence capped off a good spell for the visitors with a 66th-minute goal, to make it 2-1
However, a minute later Grant picked out Willis, who tapped home from three yards to restore Racing two-goal cushion.
Mikyle Williams then sealed the win in time added from the penalty spot, after Damion Herrera was fouled inside the area.
Treasure Beach coach Kemar Ricketts said the red card was a big blow.
“It really impacted how we wanted to play, how we wanted to set up. We started the game really well and the red card changed the trajectory of the game.
“But we have to be more aware and alert around the area, you will get punished for those mistakes, and Racing did that today,” he said.
Treasure Beach are 12th in the table on 15 points, one point above the relegation zone.
In the day’s other game, Molynes United and Dunbeholden drew 1-1.
livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com
YESTERDAY’S RESULTS
Racing 4-1 Treasure Beach
Dunbeholden 1-1 Molynes
TODAY’S GAMES
Portmore vs Spanish Town Police at Ferdi Neita Park – 3 p.m.
Harbour View vs Waterhouse at Compound – 3 p.m.
Tivoli vs MoBay at Edward Seaga Sports Complex – 3 p.m.
Chapelton vs Arnett at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex – 7 p.m.
