Wellington rescues Waterhouse on debut

Rodico 'Rodo' Wellington came off the bench in the second half and expertly converted a penalty in time added on, to salvage a point for Waterhouse against Reno in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) at the Drewsland Stadium yesterday.

Talisman Craig Foster sent Reno into the lead when he netted in the 60th minute. However, Wellington cancelled that strike in the second minute of second-half stoppage time, as the game finished in a 1-1 draw.

Wellington, who transferred from relegated Maverley-Hughenden, missed his team's opening game last week because of a back injury. But Waterhouse head coach Glendon 'Admiral' Bailey named him this week and trusted the player with the penalty kick.

"It was a rocky performance, as the season just started and we are getting into our own. I am feeling pretty good because I am suffering from a back injury but the coach decide to put me in the squad this week. I came off the bench in my first game for the club and scored. I never missed a penalty in the Premier League, so I was pretty confident," Wellington told The Gleaner.

"We have two points from two games, but no need to panic, as we have some regular players coming back after being overseas during preseason. We will get stronger," he added.

Coach Bailey confirmed that Wellington is not fully fit but he was allowed to take the penalty as the designated kicker.

"Rodico Wellington is one of our better midfielders, but he is coming off an injury. We designed the team this season to have two quality players in every position, so we have no need to rush a player. It was an injury situation why he was not in the squad last week," Bailey said about the player he also coached at Tivoli Gardens.

The draw pushed Reno on to four points, while Waterhouse moved to two points.

The RSPL continues tonight with Montego Bay United against Boys' Town at the Catherine Hall Sports Complex in St James at 8:35 p.m.

Yesterday's results

- Humble Lion 1-3 UWI FC

- Sandals South Coast 0-4 Portmore United

- Waterhouse 1-1 FC Reno

- Cavalier 0-1 Harbour View

- Tivoli Gardens 0-1 Arnett Gardens