Battle for semi-final spots in TFA Major League heats up
FALMOUTH, Trelawny — The regular season of the Trelawny Football Association Grandeur Transportation Services/Monymusk Rum Major League is expected to come to an exciting end this weekend with six teams chasing three available spots in the semi-finals.
Just one team, Zone 1 leaders and mid-season champions Falmouth United, has secured a spot in the play-offs. Three teams, all on 12 points, 10 points behind the champions, are chasing the second spot, while three more in Zone 2 are still alive for the two spots.
Holland United, Friendship FC and Salt Marsh United are all on 12 points in Zone 1 separated by goal difference. But with second-placed Holland set to play the unbeaten Falmouth United, the winner of the game between Salt Marsh United and Friendship FC could decide the runners-up.
In Zone 2, the game between second-placed Spicy Hill and third-placed Cooper’s Pen will be the key as two points separate the top three clubs.
Ironically Salt Marsh United, who have the worst goal difference of the three in Zone 1 — a minus eight difference — after a disastrous start to the season when losing their first four games, could make it back-to-back qualification for the semi-finals if they can repeat their 3-2 first-round win.
Salt Marsh United were outscored 16-5 in their first four games, but have turned their form around since, winning four of their next five games by a margin of 8-5.
A draw would favour Friendship FC with their minus one goal difference if Holland United fail to score what would be an upset win over Falmouth United.
Duanvale FC looked as if they were well on their way to securing the top spot in Zone 2, but then lost back-to-back 1-0 games, and now must beat Daniel Town if they are to get to the play-offs.
Mid-season finalists Duanvale FC lead Spicy Hill on goals scored, though the two are tied on 19 points, with a goal difference of 10. They are two points better than Cooper’s Pen, who are seeking to get back to the final after a close loss last season.
A draw could be enough for Duanvale FC against Daniel Town, whom they beat 4-0 in the first round, leaving Spicy Hill and Cooper’s Pen to battle it out for the other spot.
Cooper’s Pen beat Spicy Hill 2-0 in the first round, but Spicy Hill are coming off a big win over Duanvale FC and are unbeaten in their last three games.