LUCEA, Hanover — Two of the four semi-final places could be decided in today’s penultimate round of matches in the Jamaica Football Federation Western Confederation/Charley’s JB Rum Super League as the third round continues with five games.

Reggae Youths will secure their place as they will get points from Clark’s Town, who withdrew from the competition in the second round. Leaders Faulkland FC, in the meantime, will have a third attempt at booking their place when they take on semi-final aspirants Hopewell United at the Colin Miller Sports Complex in Lucea after back-to-back draws stalled their progress.

Faulkland FC lead with 31 points, two more than Reggae Youths, with Wadadah FC and Hopewell United tied for third on 26 points, one more than Harmony FC.

Faulkland FC could have tied up their semi-final place two rounds ago, but had to come from behind to earn a point at Harmony FC and then repeated the 1-1 scoreline against relegated Montego Bay Boys Club in the previous round, needing a win in both games.

Today they face an ambitious Hopewell United who dreams of making it to the top four for the first time, but another draw would see the mid-season champions safely across the line.

The Faulkland FC coaching staff would not be satisfied with a third draw, however, as with the semi-finals approaching, they need to get back to their ruthless best which saw them win nine games and draw another four while scoring 32 goals.

Ronaldo McLeish leads Faulkland FC with 10 goals, well ahead of the next best scorer, Peter Campbell with four, while 10 other players have all scored at least one goal this season.

Hopewell United have performed above expectations this season and are coming off an away 2-1 win over Wadadah FC, and this form should give them confidence against Faulkland FC today.

Wadadah FC could also boost their semi-final chances if they can rebound from their loss and get three points away to Beaches Negril at Little London High.

Beaches and Grand Palladium, both on 20 points, are just above the automatic relegation zone, but a fifth team will go down to parish football to make way for the returning Sandals South Coast, so both will be hoping to avoid the drop.

Grand Palladium play away to Catherine Hall, whose demotion has been confirmed, and will be hoping to take advantage of a team with nothing to play for.

Harmony FC and Granville United will meet at Bounty Hall and are dark horses to make the semi-finals, but a win today and loss for teams above them could significantly enhance their chances.

Harmony FC are on 25 points in fifth place, one behind Wadadah FC and Hopewell United. Meanwhile Granville United are on 22 points and are unbeaten in their last nine games since the end of the first round in which they lost four of five games.

— Paul Reid