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Many missed chances but Bygrave gets winner for Waterhouse
September 18, 2024
WATERHOUSE FC striker Atapharoy Bygrave had a torrid first 45 minutes in front of goal at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Monday night but found his shooting boots after the break to secure a 1-0 win for his new club in the Jamaica Premier League.
Bygrave, a former Dunbeholden and Mount Pleasant forward, hit the winner against Racing United in the 52nd minute but missed numerous chances in the first half.
Racing, who started the brighter of the two, came close to getting the evening's opening goal through Nicklye Ellis who saw his right-footed shot easily handled by Waterhouse's custodian Kemar Foster in the eighth minute.
Waterhouse sprung to life after the near miss and their new signing Bygrave became a menace for Racing United. Bygrave missed a sitter in the 31st minute as he could only watch as his header went wide of the target from close range. Six minutes later he was again called into action but was expertly denied by defender Odeanney Black whose well-timed challenge kept the scoreline at 0-0.
As Bygrave continued his hunt for a goal he was yet again denied, this time by goalkeeper Caryle Holmes who pulled off a brilliant right handed save in the 40th minute. On the stroke of halftime, Bygrave came face to face with Holmes again but his right-footed effort was stopped by Holmes' outstretched arms.
In the 52nd minute, Bygrave finally managed to convert. He took full advantage of uncertain defending by the Racing defenders to slam home his chance. The newly promoted Racing would, however, not go down without a fight. They got a lifeline in the 68th minute but striker Rodave Murray failed to capitalise from the penalty spot as the veteran goalkeeper Foster save his shot. With the final chance of the game, Shavaun Reid, from point blank range, skied his effort to the disappointment of his travelling supporters.
Marcel Gayle, head coach of Waterhouse, was pleased with the performance of his team in their opening assignment of the 2024-5 season.
"I thought we played well and bossed the game. We gave up a little in the middle of the park but we'll fix it going forward. It's a work in progress, the cobwebs are out now so we know what we're about," Gayle said.
