Final JFC qualifying day leaves two championship berths still in play

TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Which two sides complete next season’s Jamaica Football Championships field will be settled today, the last day of the qualifying competition.

Five clubs are still alive. In Group C, Mile Gully and Cross United both have a chance. In Group D, Lucea FC, Coopers Pen and Faulkland United remain mathematically involved. York SC from Group A and Kings Football Academy from Group B already secured their places last Wednesday.

Mile Gully sit on a perfect nine points from three matches and can clinch with a draw against Cross United. Cross United must beat them by at least two goals to go through. Mile Gully were awarded points from their opening-round meeting with Cross United, who arrive buoyed by a 6-1 victory over eliminated Vineyard FC on Wednesday.

Rwanie Rampasaul, the qualifying series’ leading scorer with four goals, will look to inspire Cross United to an upset. Mile Gully will lean on Jaydon Chambers to carry them across the line.

In Group D, three of four teams can still advance on paper, though Coopers Pen enter as favourites when they host winless Russia at the Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium. Lucea FC and Coopers Pen are level on 10 points, with goal difference separating them and putting Faulkland United two points back.

Coopers Pen, unbeaten across their past four outings, face a Russia FC side that has shipped 19 goals in its last two matches. Lucea, who topped the standings for much of the campaign, can still progress with a win should Coopers Pen drop points. The Group A fixture between Cedar Grove Estate and Brown’s Town carries no bearing on qualification.

Today’s fixtures: Cedar Grove Estate vs Brown’s Town at Cedar Grove; Mile Gully FC vs Cross United at Mile Gully Community Centre; Faulkland United vs Lucea FC at Jarrett Park; Coopers Pen FC vs Russia FC at Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium.