Waterhouse breathe after narrow escape

It took Keithy Simpson's added time equaliser to salvage a point for Waterhouse against Portmore in their last Jamaica Premier League (JPL) game on Sunday.

Both teams remained in the position they were in the JPL standings before that result, with Portmore in fourth and Waterhouse fifth on 12 points each.

Waterhouse assistant coach Damion Gordon breathed a sigh of relief after their escape on the night, claiming a defeat would have left them in an unfavourable position.

"It was very very important not to lose," he declared. "In terms of the team morale and position in the standing, we want to make sure that we are in the top six or very close, as the objective this year is to ensure that we are in a playoff spot right through."

The Drewsland-based Waterhouse lost back-to-back games against Arnett and Humble Lion, and a third straight defeat would have impacted their ambitions. Gordon said they must be more consistent to keep themselves in a playoff spot.

"I have to agree somewhat, at this stage now, that we are hot and cold. Earlier on, I would not say that, but in terms of consistency, we have to get more of that within this group," he said.

Nevertheless, he was pleased with their commitment to get a point from the game, despite a troubled start.

"I don't think we played well at the start. We even tried to make some adjustments in the second half, and it still wasn't working, but it is about that desire and that commitment, and every day we try to instil that in them. That fighting spirit was critical, and we are grateful for that," he added.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com