MBU stop Vere 2-0 in JPL

by

February 05, 2024

Photo

Vere United FC’s Matt Ludford (left) and Montego Bay United FC’s (MBU) Owayne Gordon battle for possession of the ball during their Wray and Nephew-sponsored Jamaica Premier League match at the Wespow Park in Montego Bay yesterday. Montego Bay won 2-0.

Hosts Montego Bay United (MBU) secured a 2-0 victory over Vere United in their Wray and Nephew-sponsored Jamaica Premier League match yesterday at Wespow Park in Montego Bay.

MBU's returning player Courtney Allen opened the scoring in the 27th minute, with Brazilian import Juan Claudio Rios Ferreira adding to the tally in the 51st. Allen was ejected in the 65th minute after receiving a second caution for a tackle.

Neider dos Santos, coach of MBU, lamented their wastefulness in front of goal.

"We must train more and be sharper because we cannot afford to throw away the golden opportunities. In the first 10 minutes, we could have had four goals and finished the game," dos Santos said.

"Even with 10 men, we did not suffer any real threat from Vere. It makes me happy because of the extra work that the players did. I have to compliment all the players because each of them did extra.

"I didn't like the first half. We didn't do well at all. We came out with a lack of confidence, and I don't know why. Fortunately, even though we did not play well, we scored. It made us calmer to go to the second half. We did much better in the second half," he added.

Vere's coach, Linval Dixon, believes they suffered from costly mistakes.

"Early on we had the game but lost focus and discipline. Hence, we gave up a goal in the first half. It is about that concentration level on a high and keeping it right through the game.

"We can't concentrate for 30 minutes because the least mistake we make will cost, and that's what we did today. We are working on it because we have been doing it over and over," Dixon said.

In sunny conditions, Allen gave Montego Bay the lead when he outran his marker to score before Rios Ferreira increased their lead from the penalty spot.

MBU sit eighth in the points standing with 22 points, the same as Dunbeholden FC, while Vere remain ninth with 19 points.