Latest News
Waterhouse on top in JPL
November 25, 2024
Montego Bay United lost their place at the top of the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) after slumping to a 3-0 defeat to Mount Pleasant at Drax Hall yesterday.
As a result, Waterhouse replaced the St James team at the summit after they battled to a 0-0 draw with Portmore United at the Ferdi Neita Park.
Waterhouse lead the league on 21 points, one ahead of both MoBay United and Portmore, respectively, while Mount Pleasant climbed one place to fourth on 19 points.
At Ferdi Neita, the teams failed to break the deadlock, despite both creating good chances to score.
"It was a good tactical battle. I just thought we were unfortunate in front of the goal," said Waterhouse coach Marcel Gayle. "But we are still being consistent. We kept a clean sheet on the road against a Portmore team that has been playing well. So it was a tough one but it was a good game.
"With a little more patience in the final third, we could have capitalised on some of the chances," he added.
The home team controlled most of the game and came close on a few occasions. But the Waterhouse defence stood firm and kept them off the scoresheet.
Waterhouse had a couple openings through defensive blunders, but neither Atapharoy Bygrave nor Andre Fletcher could make the most of the chances.
Portmore had the first chance after the break, but Junior Grizzle failed to convert fives minutes into the half.
However, Waterhouse were a lot more purposeful in the second half and kept the Portmore defence on their toes.
Yet still, Shacquwell Henry came close to giving Portmore the winner 10 minutes from the end. But he glanced his header wide from six yards.
Although pleased to avoid a second straight defeat at home, Portmore coach Rodolph Austin said they have to make improvements in the final third.
"Our problem has been in the final third and we have been trying to fix it. The decision-making is off at the moment and we have to fix that. "But it is always good not to lose. At the end of the day, we got a few opportunities that we could have capitalised on but we didn't and we just have to blame ourselves for that.
"Waterhouse came and played a decent game also, and we have to give them credit," he commented.
Meanwhile, Tivoli got a major boost to their season after a 6-0 hammering of Harbour View.
A brace from Kavan Wilson (36th, 63rd) and one each from Conaie Rose (7th), Anthony Nelson (24), Barrington Pryce (59th), and Justin Dunn gave the Jerome Waite-coached team only their second win of the season.
Tivoli jumped three places to 10th on 10 points, while Harbour View are eighth with on points.
The other match between Humble Lion and Dunbeholden ended goalless.
Dunbeholden are seventh with 13 points while Humble Lion are 12th on nine points.
