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The end is near for season one of the Caribbean Mega League and unlike most professional football leagues at this stage, there is still a lot to play for and many of the sides can still have a chance to reach their expectations for the season. To put it into perspective, tenth place Bermuda Tempest could technically still win the division. Even bottom side Dominica Dominoes, who are now nine points off survival, could finish in the top-half still, although after this weekend’s defeat that is now looking highly unlikely.
Moko-Jumbies FC were the latest side to inflict pain on Dominoes over in Dominica and in another day full of surprises, the Kitt Men would move joint-level on points AND goal difference with Jamrock Juniors, setting up a very interesting final four matches in the next month or so. Today ended up being more of a formality though, with an opening goal in the tenth minute from Errol O’Loughlin setting them on their way. Liam Knapton, who was hot on his elder brother’s heels, sent substitute Carlos Bertie on in the second-half and it was he who doubled his side’s lead just before the hour-mark. Last time out, Kennedy Isles was in sinsilating form and feeling inspired from his goal against Jamtastic the week before, the central midfielder crowned his player of the weekend display by also grabbing the best goal of the day by smashing home a thirty yard strike past Glenson Prince to make it 0-3.
There was also to be another big away win in the round and this time it was more of a shock result as Ajax Oranjestad, one of the league’s biggest overachievers, stopped Vodou People from jumping to the top of the table as a result of their 0-2 win at Papa Doc Parc. The Haitian title hunters will argue that they controlled this one but thankfully for Eric Abdul in the Oranje Boys goal the defence were in top form and their attackers were clinical at the other end. Two shots, two goals was Ajax’s approach to the win, with Ethan Tromp scoring for a fourth consecutive from the penalty spot in the first-half and lone wolf upfront Ricky Hodge doubling the lead for a smash and grab win that gives them three points worth of breathing room from the bottom four relegation playoffs.
Although Jamrock Juniors couldn’t take advantage of Prodigy’s slip-up after a 0-0 draw at home to Bajan Boppers, we did see Republican Rabbits move back into the frame as they eked out a 1-0 win at home to strugglers Bermuda Tempest. The Rabbits are now within two points of the top spot. In the other two games, Limbo Leopards continued to strengthen their grip on fifth place after coming from behind to beat Spicy Doves 2-1, whilst Redonda Rockys leapfrogged Suriname Sharks to jump into the top-half for the first time in two months after winning 2-1 at Wa’omoni.
Matchday Nineteen could see the first team to officially be confirmed to face the relegation playoffs, as Dominica Dominoes take on the side just above them, Bajan Boppers. Top of the table sides Jamrock Juniors and Moko-Jumbies FC will face Bermuda Tempest and Limbo Leopards respectively, whilst Vodou People and Republican Rabbits will both look to sneak into prime position for the title with away days on the cards. Prodigy travel to Spicy Doves and the Rabbits will look to better the Sharks in Suriname. In Antigua & Barbuda, Redonda Rockys could all but seal their place in the World Mini Vase by beating Ajax Oranjestad. In the unofficial second-tier of the CML, Athletico Bonaire and Rum Rovers of the Cayman Islands have had applications accepted to join the playoffs against the bottom four from the Premier Division, whilst it is expected that Guyana’s Real Essequibo and the Grenadine Islanders will make up the final two of the eight team knockout tournament.
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