Dunbeholden enjoying JPL lead

Dunbeholden coach Harold Thomas said being on top of the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) is special.

Dunbeholden defeated Harbour View 1-0 on Dwayne Smith's added time strike in Drax Hall yesterday to move to the top of the table for the first time since entering the league in 2018.

The St Catherine team now has 25 points, two clear of second-place Waterhouse.

"To be on top of the table, whether its temporary or permanent, is something special, and we plan to stay there," Thomas said after the game.

The former Harbour View coach also commended his team for fighting to the end.

"You must always be hopeful, and we are always hopeful," he said. "We have kept it late a couple times, and that is what we did."

Dunbeholden looked the more dangerous of the teams despite Harbour View being competitive throughout.

Dunbeholden's best efforts in the first half came from long range. However, Trayvone Reid broke through and was only denied by goalkeeper Damion Hyatt.

After the break, Dunbeholden got closer and closer and eventually broke the deadlock at the death when substitute Smith popped up and struck from 12 yards.

Peter McGregor almost made it 2-0 moments later, but his shot rattled the post.

Harbour View assistant coach Sean Fraser said poor finishing continues to let them down.

"We created chances," he said. "Trayvone Reid created at least three chances all on his own but just did not put the ball in the net, and that has been our problem.

"We got an easy goal in the first half, and that would have changed the game completely, but football is like this. It's a very ungrateful sport, and if you do not score, you don't win."

The loss means that Harbour View slipped one place to seventh with 13 points.

In the day's other game, Portmore beat Mount Pleasant 2-0 on goals from Chevoy Watkins ( 65th) and Keny Charleston (86th) to move into the top six for the first time this season.

The league continues today with two matches at Sabina Park. Humble Lion play Molynes United at 5 p.m., then Arnett Gardens and Waterhouse meet in the feature at 7:30 p.m.