MONTEGO BAY, St James — Reggae Youths strengthened their hold on the lead in Zone A of the St James Football Association Sandals/ATL/Honda Senior League on Friday after beating second-placed Melbourne FC 2-1 at Jarrett Park.

Oshane Thompson’s first-half brace piloted Reggae Youths to their third victory, as they closed the first round with 11 points, three more than Melbourne, who were losing for the first time this season.

Lilliput Rovers were also beaten for the first time this season, losing 1-0 to Revelation FC, while Little Miami scored a last-minute equaliser to salvage a point in a 1-1 draw with Salt Spring United, also at Jarrett Park.

In the first game, Thompson gave Reggae Youths the lead through a hotly contested goal in the 13th minute, as the Melbourne team protested what they thought to be a non-offside call.

Thompson added a second just before half-time as Reggae Youths dominated possession before Trevon Allen kept Melbourne in the game when he pulled one back early in the second half.

Reggae Youths held on for the win, however, and improved to 11 points, as Melbourne FC remained on eight from their five games, ahead of Fogo United on seven points, and Catherine Hall on six points, both having a game in hand.

Revelation FC won for the first time in three games, after a Sebastian Robinson 40th-minute goal gave them a 1-0 win over promoted Lilliput Rovers.

With the win Revelation ended their first round on eight points, one behind leaders Violet Kickers, and two more than Lilliput Rovers and Seba FC, both on six points.

Salt Spring United came within a few minutes of scoring their first win before a last-minute strike from Little Miami’s Adrian Spence forced a 1-1 tie.

Kevin Nedrick had scored in the 51st minute to give Salt Spring the lead, but they finished the first round on three points and bottom of Zone B, two points behind Little Miami.