Montego Bay United take first-half lead over Meadforest in Popeyes Challenge Cup at Drax Hall

Montego Bay United opened their 2026 Popeyes Challenge Cup campaign with a 1-0 half-time lead over Meadforest FC on Wednesday at the Drax Hall Sports Complex in St. Ann, as Premier League opposition entered the third round of the competition.

The breakthrough came late in the first half when Devereaux McKenzie struck with the outside of his boot, curling the ball beyond Meadforest goalkeeper Damian Hyatt after the lower-tier side failed to clear repeated pressure from the box.

Meadforest, who had beaten Humble Lion in the previous round at St. Elizabeth Technical High School, were far from overrun. Coach Linton Sims said before kick-off that his players had no pressure against a Montego Bay United team that finished fourth in the Jamaica Premier League, urging them to enjoy the occasion and give their best.

Jeffrey Robinson, Meadforest’s leading scorer in the tournament, and DeAndre Walker gave Montego Bay United problems on the break. Walker had a tame effort saved, while Meadforest also forced Marco Thompson into a sharper stop from a headed set-piece chance.

Montego Bay United coach Xavier Gilbert said his team wanted to respond after disappointing recent league matches. His side created the better first-half openings, with DeAndre Brown missing two strong chances before McKenzie eventually put them ahead.

At the interval, Montego Bay United had nine shots to Meadforest’s two, with four on target. Possession was listed at 50-50, while each team had one corner and one yellow card.

Elsewhere in the Popeyes Challenge Cup, Jamaica Defence Force FC knocked Cavalier out with a 1-0 win at Stadium East. Arnett Gardens defeated Roaring River 3-1, Phoenix Chapleton beat Reno 3-1, and Molynes United edged Santos Club Brown’s Town 2-1.