Robert Bailey, Freelance Reporter

Host team Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) suffered a shock 2-0 loss to Meadhaven United in their Kingston and St. Andrew Football Association (KSAFA)/Jamaica National (JN) Super League match at Up Park Camp on Saturday.

The second-place JDF, with 14 points, dominated the early proceedings and missed a number of clear-cut chances.

However, they found themselves trailing after 35 minutes when Omar Longbridge fired home a powerful left-footed shot past former national Under-20 goalkeeper, Allien Whittaker, and into the back of the net.

Meadhaven's Everal Thompson thought he had sent his team further ahead on the stroke of half-time, but his close range header hit against the crossbar.

On resumption, the JDF got a glorious opportunity to draw level when substitute Cecil Sturridge was sent free down the left flank by teammate Mario Gordon. However, with goalkeeper Andrew Gibson at his mercy, his shot was wide of the target.

JDF attack

Two minutes later, the JDF were on the attack again down the right side with their captain, Kevin Mitchell, picking out Gordon with a well-placed cross. But his point-blank volley was spectacularly saved by Gibson at his near post.

In the 90th minute, substitute Leighton Nieta ensured Meadhaven got all three points as he outsprinted two JDF defenders to calmly place the ball into the back of the net to the left of Whittaker.

"This was another tough game," said David Hunt, coach of fourth-from-bottom Meadhaven, which advanced to 10 points.

"This league is very competitive and because my team didn't start as well as we expected, we lost three games in our first four matches. But for the last four games, we have played some very good football and we aim to continue it from here on.

Owen Nelson, coach of the JDF, said: " I think this defeat is a big disappointment. But I think that we are suffering the effects of the absence of a number of our key players."