Gritty Faulkland hold Molynes to 2-2 draw

Faulkland FC’s coach Gregory Palmer hailed his players after they came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw with Molynes United in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) at Waterhouse mini stadium yesterday.

“We drew some games we should have won but this time we came from behind instead of going up and having to hold on,” Palmer told The Gleaner. “The guys showed character, they showed fight. When the team fights and comes from behind twice, it is good to see that spirit,” Palmer added.

He noted, however, that three points would have greatly enhanced their cause.

“We got some chances but the finishing wasn’t happening today, and we still let in two goals. So we still have to defend better.

“We should have won the game and get closer to Vere and Tivoli but we will to fight to the end. It (staying up) still in our reach, so we just have to win the other matches and hope for some luck to come our way,” he added.

Faulkland are 13th in the 14-team league with 11 points, five away from safety. Tivoli are 11th with 19 points while Vere United are 12th with 16.

Molynes coach Alex Thomas also thought his opponents showed great resilience.

“Faulkland are fighting relegation and when you play these teams, these are the type of games you are going to get.

“They are down and fighting to get points. We could have put the game away from early but that is the nature of the game. The three points would be a major boost but we are grateful for the point,” he said.

Molynes dominated the early proceedings of the contest and had numerous opportunities to take the lead but were let down by some poor finishing.

Nevertheless, they took the lead in the 36th minute when Tyshan Hill turned the ball into his own goal.

THIRD GOAL

However, Faulkland never dropped their heads and kept plugging away at the Molynes defence and two minutes from halftime Jelani Nicholson headed in his third goal in as many games to tie the game.

Molynes took control again after the break six minutes into the second half when Nicholas Nelson got inside the penalty area and slipped the ball into the far corner to restore Molynes’ advantage.

However, Faulkland came back again in the latter stages of the game and in the 88th minute Shanoy Anderson finished off a good buildup to level the scores.

Montego Bay-based Faulkland then had a great chance to steal the win but Jowell Powell planted his header wide from six yards on the last play of the game.

Molynes stayed sixth on 26 points after the draw.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Other results

Dunbeholden 4 Montego Bay 0

Mount Pleasant 0 Arnett Gardens 0

Portmore 2 Tivoli 1

Waterhouse 0 Harbour View 2

Today’s games

5 p.m: Cavalier vs Humble Lion

7:30 p.m: Chapelton Maroons vs Vere United

Both games will be played at Ashenheim Stadium, Jamaica College.