Mount Pleasant held to first draw by Waterhouse

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December 04, 2023

Photo

Waterhouse’s Keithy Simpson (right) shields the ball from Mount Pleasant’s Odane Murray during their Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League match at the Drax Hall Sports Complex in St Ann yesterday. The match drew 0-0.

Defending champions Mount Pleasant were held to their first draw in the Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) yesterday, as Waterhouse provided a stern test in a 0-0 result at Drax Hall Sports Complex in St Ann.

Mount Pleasant, undefeated this season, sit tall on 19 points atop the points standing after winning six games while conceding only two goals. Waterhouse are seventh with 10 points, winning three games and losing three.

The highly-anticipated jam-packed match had fans on their feet shouting and cheering with entertainment.

In the first half, Waterhouse made their presence felt and had a slight edge over Mount Pleasant, who had their top goalscorer Kimoni Bailey getting an ankle injury during the period. Both teams created opportunities but were goal-shy, although the goalkeepers worked hard to keep the score level.

The second half was not as smooth, with both teams being more aggressive, and Mount Pleasant made a statement early, going close to scoring twice and dominating most of the action in the stanza with good ball movement.

Waterhouse, however, would not back down and received an excellent scoring opportunity, which they failed to convert and another chance when a ball was hammered to goal in the 85th minute, which Mount Pleasant's goalkeeper Shaquan Davis saved.

Mount Pleasant coach, Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore, believes they failed to do enough for the win.

"We came out with a 0-0 result, which was unfortunate. There are a lot of positives to take from the game. We didn't concede, but on the other hand, I didn't think we created a lot of opportunities to hurt Waterhouse.

"Before we move on to the next game, we have to assess the performance and look at the players. Kimoni Bailey, an integral player, came out early with an injury, so yes, a lot of assessment to be done," Whitmore said.

Waterhouse coach, Marcel Gayle, argued that they were tactically disciplined, which allowed them to get a positive result.

"From minute one to minute 90, we were disciplined. I would give us an eight. We knew Mount Pleasant is a quality team, and probably the best team in the competition, and we had to defend stoutly.

"I mean, to come away with a point is massive. We cannot drop our standard. This is the way. We walked away with a clean sheet. All we need to do is keep our heads up and prepare for our next game," Gayle said.