Simpson’s goal saves Waterhouse

by

December 11, 2023

Photo

Dunbeholden’s Odane Samuels (right) and Tivoli Garden’s Justin Dunn fight for possession of the ball during their Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League match at Stadium East yesterday. The match drew 2-2.

Veteran defender Keithy Simpson scored a last-gasp equaliser for Waterhouse to earn a vital point in their Jamaica Premier League (JPL) game against Portmore United at Stadium East yesterday.

Elvis Wilson turned the ball into his net after 29 minutes to put Portmore ahead, but Simpson's free kick five minutes into added time secured a point for the Marcel Gayle-coached Waterhouse.

"We didn't play well in how we started," said assistant Waterhouse coach Damion Gordon. "We tried to adjust in the second half, but it wasn't coming.

"In terms of leadership, Keithy did well finishing the game. He needs to do a lot more in terms of his influence on the game, but I am happy that he scored that goal in the end. It is also a reflection to say the game can always help and teach you," he added.

Portmore had the better of the first half and had a few good openings. They eventually took the lead, although through some bit of fortune, when the ball deflected off Wilson for the game opener.

The St Catherine-based Portmore continued to dominate their opponents but failed to add to their score.

After the interval, Waterhouse worked their way back into the match, forcing Portmore on the defensive with Javane Bryan and Andre Fletcher getting good looks at goal.

Portmore had two great chances on the break, but striker Chevaughn Walsh fluffed both efforts.

However, with Portmore looking destined for the win, Simpson stepped to a free kick in time added on and calmly struck a low ball into the corner of the goal.

Portmore coach Philip Williams thought they threw it away at the end.

"The game was balanced. The same thing that played out in the first half was the same thing that played out in the second. We were strong defensively, throughout we were organised and created chances we should have put away, but, it's a problem we have at Portmore not seeing out games and to give up a game in the 95th minute is two points lost," Williams lamented.

Portmore remain in fourth and Waterhouse in fifth place, on 12 points each.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com