Jamaica Premier league (JPL) leaders Racing United and Waterhouse FC take the spotlight in the first round of matches for 2026 at Stadium East, starting at 3 p.m.
The two teams come into the game with contrasting forms. Although Racing have not won in two matches, they are unbeaten in six games.
However, struggling Waterhouse have lost four of the last five and have won just once in their last eight matches.
Nevertheless, Racing coach Anthony Patrick is wary that a wounded Waterhouse, especially under a new coaching staff, can be dangerous.
“I watch the last game they lost 2-0 (to Molynes). It was a seesaw game. They did some good things and a lot of bad things. If we can ensure that we get them to do more bad things, we can get another three points.
“But it’s not going to be easy. When you look at the type of players they have in their roster, and probably the new changes (in coach) will put some pressure on them to perform better than the last game. And that is why I went to watch them. To see what the new staff is bringing to the table,” said Patrick.
“Hopefully, we can get three points from the game. We started the first round on the right footing, getting three wins back to back.
“This round we drew the first game against Arnett who we defeated in the first round. We defeated Waterhouse also (first round). So it’s not going to be easy. But we are prepared and things are looking up. Hopefully we can get the three points.”
Racing lead the table on 27 points, Montego Bay United are a point behind in second and Portmore are two adrift in third.
Mount Pleasant and Cavalier are tied on 22 points, and Waterhouse (15 points) complete the top six. Waterhouse though only lead Molynes United, Tivoli Gardens FC, and Chapelton Maroons on goal difference.
STRATEGY
Patrick is fully aware of the chasing pack and noted that they must keep taking points from the top teams if they want to secure a play-off spot.
However, since taking the lead, he said teams have become more cautious against them but that they have responded appropriately, even if they failed to get maximum points from the last two.
Waterhouse under new coach Jermaine Miller and technical adviser Javier Ainstein never impressed in their first match last weekend. But the pair will have a full week to implement their ideas, and it should be a much more competitive team than the one that played Molynes last week.
At St Elizabeth Technical High School, both MoBay and hosts Treasure Beach will look to halt a two-match losing slide.
MoBay have won just once in five matches, and will look to take advantage of a Treasure Beach team, that only return to the league two weeks ago, due to the effects of Hurricane Melissa on their club, based in St Elizabeth.
At Ferdi Neita, Dunbeholden and Spanish Town Police will meet in what should be an interesting affair.
Dunbeholden are a team very difficult to break down and to beat. Damion Gordon’s team may not score a lot of goals, but they do not allow many either, with five goals for and five against, which is the best defensive record in the league by a mile.
The St Catherine team have only lost twice this season and will fancy getting their fourth win of the season.
However, Police are on a high after their second win of the campaign last week. And with Jordan Elliston and Diamond Clarke in good form, a win is not far-fetched.
Boosted by their win over Treasure Beach in midweek, the first in nine games, Chapelton will take aim at Harbour View at Turners Oval.
However, most of Harbour View’s points have come against lower table teams, and they will go into the game positive about getting a result.
In the second game at Stadium East, high-riding Molynes will have their mettle tested when to go up against the surging Mount Pleasant.
Molynes defeated Cavalier, Arnett, and Waterhouse in recent weeks and will have thoughts of a result.
However, Mount Pleasant, on their day, are very difficult to stop, and will push Molynes to their limit.
livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com
Today’s Games
Racing vs Waterhouse at Stadium East – 3 p.m.
Molynes vs Mount Pleasant at Stadium East – 5:30 p.m.
Treasure Beach vs MoBay United at STETHS – 3 p.m.
Dunbeholden vs Spanish Town Police at Ferdi Neita Park – 3 p.m.
Chapelton vs Harbour View at Turners Oval – 3 p.m.
