Bailey’s brilliance hands Mount Pleasant win

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March 04, 2024

Photo

Kimoni Bailey

Mount Pleasant returned to the top of the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) yesterday after Kimoni Bailey's late brilliant strike handed them a 1-0 win over Waterhouse at the Drewsland Mini-Stadium.

Bailey, whose goals carried the St Ann-based Mount Pleasant during the early stages of the competition, missed a chunk of the season because of injury.

He was, however, back to his best yesterday as he tormented the Waterhouse defence all afternoon before producing a breathtaking strike to win the match.

"Sometimes, you get a little setback; you just have to keep working," Bailey said afterwards.

"Patience is the key. Once you can be patient, you will get back out there and compete.

"Waterhouse is a quality team, so we had to come with our A game. It's not the best pitch, but we adjusted and won," he continued.

The 24-year-old Bailey has scored some spectacular goals this season, and yesterday's winner was a delight for him.

'It's not a surprise. That is where I wanted it to go. It's not the first one this season. I have a lot of classics in the bag," he added.

POSSESSION

The visitors controlled possession in the first half, with Bailey as their main outlet in attack. The chances, however, were limited for both teams.

Waterhouse's best effort came from a low Javane Bryan shot that missed the upright, while Shandae James had a similar strike for Mount Pleasant late in the half.

After the break, both teams stepped up their game, with Denardo Thomas and Bryan coming close for the hosts, while Shaquile Bradford for Mount Pleasant had a good opening but could not beat goalkeeper John Wilson from 18 yards.

Mount Pleasant's Daniel Green also had a free kick that Wilson tipped over for a corner, and in the 62nd minute, James curled a decent effort just past the upright.

Bailey had a glorious chance to score in the 75th minute but blasted over from 12 yards. The winger, however, made amends minutes later with a superb volley that flew past Wilson.

SOLID DISPLAY

Mount Pleasant assistant coach, Davian Ferguson, said they had a solid display.

"Waterhouse always give us tough games, and we didn't get anything less, but Bailey, we knew he had that in him. Moreover, I was pleased with the fight and determination," he said.

Waterhouse coach Marcel Gayle said they lapsed momentarily, which cost them.

"Mount Pleasant did what they had to do, but we lost concentration in that moment, and it was a game of moments, but we didn't take our chances that we created," Gayle stated.

Mount Pleasant lead that JPL points standing with 46, three clear of Cavalier, who play Humble Lion today.

Waterhouse stayed sixth with 30 points, the same as Dunbeholden, who play Harbour View today, and two ahead of Montego Bay United, who tied 1-1 with Portmore.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com