Waterhouse stay alive, set Dunbeholden back with 1-0 win
Waterhouse kept themselves in sixth position in the Wray and Nephewsponsored Jamaica Premier League with a 1-0 win over Dunbeholden at Drewsland yesterday.
Waterhouse remain sixth in the points standing with 37 points, the same as Montego Bay United, who defeated Molynes United 2-1 at the Montego Bay Sports Complex. Waterhouse, however, have a better goal difference.
The loss placed Dunbeholden three points back, in eighth position, where they started the match, as although they were tied with Waterhouse and Montego Bay on points, they had an inferior goal difference.
At Drewsland Mini-Stadium, Waterhouse and Dunbeholden duelled intensely from the opening whistle, with good chances on both sides in the first half hour.
Waterhouse broke the deadlock just before halftime when goalkeeper Damion Hyatt parried Revaldo Mitchell’s effort into the path of Javane Bryan, who scored his 12th of the season.
Bryan had a great chance to add a second moments later but put his shot just wide of the mark.
Waterhouse came close to extending their advantage early in the second half, but neither Bryan nor Andre Fletcher could not take advantage.
Dunbeholden had some good moments afterwards but failed to really trouble Kemar Foster in goal.
Lenworth Hyde’s Dunbeholden also gave everything they got towards the end, but the Waterhouse defence was not in the mood to give anything away and held on for the three points.
The result was a delight for Waterhouse coach Marcel Gayle.
“It was a spirited performance,” Gayle said. “We managed to set some objectives and achieved them today. The main objective was to win, and we knew we had to keep a clean sheet and did just that.
“Offensively, we were also strong. We are grateful for the victory, and now focus on our next two games.”
Losing back-to-back games against their direct rivals for the sixth and final playoff spot was a huge setback said Hyde.
“It’s a great setback. We have two games left and have to try and get wins out of those games. If it’s not to be we will have to wheel and come again for next season,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cavalier slammed Treasure Beach 5-0 to climb back into second, while Mount Pleasant defeated Arnett Gardens 2-0 to stay five points clear at the top.
Mount Pleasant lead with 53. They are followed by Cavalier with 48, then Tivoli, Portmore and Arnett, with 45.