An added-time goal from substitute Javane Bryan gave Waterhouse a 1-0 win over Racing United in the feature Jamaica Premier League (JPL) game at Ferdi Neita Park yesterday.
In another important clash in Clarendon, defending champions Cavalier whipped Chapelton Maroons 4-1 after the teams were locked at 1-1 in the 29th minute. Cavalier are sixth with 48 points, while Chapelton are ninth on 43.
At Ferdi Neita Park, Waterhouse created the better chances over the course of the match but were wasteful before Bryan, who came on in the 69th minute, nodded home a loose ball in stoppage time.
Although both teams stayed as they were in the table, Waterhouse are fifth on 53 points and Racing third on 55 points, Waterhouse have reduced Racing’s lead above them to just two points.
“It was a tough game,” said Waterhouse coach Javier Ainstien. “We had to work a lot. We changed formation two, three times.
“I was patient with the changes, but then we needed the changes to win. So the substitutes Mario Simms, Dwayne Burgher, Okelo (Howard) and Javane were important because some of the players were tired.
“Denardo (Thomas) is a good player, (Neron) Barrow is a good player. All of them are relevant, but in one moment we needed to put fresh legs, and today the contribution from the bench was important.”
Waterhouse had the first real chance after 12 minutes, but Colorado Murray fired into the side netting after he was clean through.
Thomas also came close in the 28th minute, but his spectacular lob just missed the target, with goalkeeper Aaron Enill well off his line
Cardel Benbow also got through on goal moments later but elected to cross instead of shooting.
As Waterhouse increased their attacking threat, Benbow had a glorious chance for the opener in the 39th minute, after a delightful pass from Thomas, but his weak execution was saved by Enill.
Racing took control after the break, but it was Waterhouse who came closest with a shot from Benbow and an attempt from Barrow from a tight angle.
Bryan also came close from a well-worked free kick between Thomas and Benbow, but his effort from close range trickled just wide.
Barrow should have given Waterhouse the lead, but he kicked straight at Enill from six yards. However, Bryan would get the all-important goal when Enill parried Barrow’s shot and the striker headed home the loose ball.
Racing’s coach Anthony Patrick said it was a bitter pill to swallow.
“It was a bitter one because right through the game I kept talking to the entire backline, so soon and very soon something like that was going to happen.
“You can’t allow the striker to turn every time and get a cross inside. We just have to regroup and focus on what is in front of us,” he commented.
livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com
