Treasure Beach seek semis spot in JFF Championship

ST ANN, Jamaica — Treasure Beach FC will need only a point from their return round game against Mt Pleasant FA Jnrs at Drax Hall, St Ann, to qualify for the semi-finals of the Jamaica Football Federation Championship for the second time in three years.

Treasure Beach, who are on 24 points and in second place in Zone B behind early qualifiers Falmouth United on 29 points, could secure the top place with a win over Duncans United in their Trelawny derby on Saturday.

Meanwhile, with Zone A leaders Meadforest FC and Lime Hall facing off on Tuesday, Baptist Alliance SC and Spanish Town Police can keep pace with wins Saturday against Tru Juice FC and Progressive FC, respectively.

Treasure Beach, who were playing in the Jamaica Premier League last season, will be making a second attempt to secure their semi-final spot after they were held to a goalless draw by Duncans United last weekend.

On Saturday, they will be up against a Mt Pleasant FA Jnrs team that are out of contention to go to the semi-finals but are still seeking to keep their place in the league next season.

They had played out a 1-1 draw in their first meeting, and another draw would suit both teams.

Falmouth United can sew up the top spot in Zone B with a win over Duncans United, whom they had beaten 3-0 in the first round, but are unbeaten in their last two games.

Duncans United have already secured their spot in the league for next season, but with pride at stake against a parish rival, they will be expected to take the game to Falmouth United.

Third-placed Reno FC has only a slim chance at getting back to the semi-finals and will need help even if they avenge a first-round loss to Holland PYC in their game at Lacovia Community Centre.

For Reno FC to get to the top four, they must win all their remaining games and hope Treasure Beach lose all of their games as well.

In Zone A, third-placed Baptist Alliance can move into joint second place with Lime Hall, both on 24 points, one point behind leaders Meadforest FC with a win over Tru Juice FC, whom they had clipped 1-0 in the first round.

— Paul Reid