UWI go on top

The University of the West Indies (FC) signalled their intent to challenge for the title in only their second season when they edged Humble Lion FC 1-0 in a top of the table Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) clash at Effortville Community Centre in May Pen, Clarendon yesterday.

The win pushed UWI into pole position on 16 points, three ahead of Humble Lion (13) in the 12-team league. Rochane Smith scored the winning goal from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute for UWI.

It was Smith's fourth goal of the season, all from the penalty spot as he joined Shamar Nicholson of Boys' Town and Rohan Richards of Jamalco FC as the competition's joint leading goal scorers.

Coach of UWI FC Marcel Gayle admitted that he is surprised that the team is leading the league at this time.

"Our pre-season programme went well and it is paying off," Gayle told STAR Sports after his team's victory yesterday.

"We wanted to stay in the top half but now we are in the lead and intend to maintain it game by game," he confidently said.

previous leaders

In another game on the day, Arnett Gardens moved to second spot with a 3-0 win against previous leaders Jamalco FC. Arnett's goal scoreres were Lennox Russell (15th) Fabian Reid (30th0 and substitute Marvin Morgan (89th).

Arnett joined reigning champions Montego Bay United and Humble Lion on 13 points. However, Arnett have a better goal difference.

Montego Bay United FC edged Waterhouse FC 2-1 courtesy of goals by Dino Williams and Cory Hylton, while Romario Campbell netted for Waterhouse.

In the other early game, FC Reno and Maverley-Hughenden FC battled to a 1-1 draw at Frome Complex in Westmoreland.

The game between neighbouring clubs Boys' Town and Tivoli Gardens was not played because of a water-logged surface at Barbican Complex.

Scores

Humble Lion 0 UWI FC 1

Montego Bay United 2 Waterhouse 1

FC Reno 1 Maverley-Hughenden 1

Arnett Gardens 3 Jamalco 0

Harbour View Portmore United

Boys Town Tivoli Gardens - abandoned due to waterlogged field