Waterhouse, Montego Bay clash could be a thriller
Published:Monday | October 30, 2023 | 12:09 AM
There have been some epic contests between Waterhouse and Montego Bay United FC in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) over the years, and their early season match-up today could produce another thriller.
Both team s had different results at the end of last weekend’s first round of games in the Wray & Nephew-sponsored JPL 2023-2024 season.
Waterhouse were surprised 3-0 by Tivoli Gardens while Montego Bay United and Lime Hall Academy shared the points after a goalless draw.
While it is still early in the new season, the importance of the clash between the two local football heavyweights is not lost on both camps.
“We are trying to achieve our targets that we set. We only have a point so far, so we are hoping for three points,” said Dwayne Ambusley, assistant coach of Montego Bay United, which recently changed ownership.
“If we can’t win, then we expect not to lose. And then we would try to build on that because this would be two games on the road,” he added.
A joint-venture headed by Yoni Epstein, chairman of Itel BPO, and Dr Germaine Spencer, owner of Baywest Wellness Clinic, recently took over ownership of the club from businessman Orville Powell.
Marcel Gayle, head coach of Waterhouse, noted that every game is important but said his club wants to stay close to the leaders to begin the season.
“We want to know that at the end of the day, we are among the top six,” he told The Gleaner yesterday.
Ambusley said unlike in past years when “Waterhouse were our regular three points”, his team is bracing for a tough challenge, especially after the heavy defeat the Corporate Area team suffered last weekend.
“But we can’t say that any more because Waterhouse have had the upper hand against us in recent years. They lost their first game, but they may say they played a more formidable opponent than us,” said the Montego Bay United assistant coach.
“They will want to improve on their performance and we want to improve as well, so I expect to see a better performance from both teams.”
Gayle indicated that fans should expect the usual entertaining style of football but said at the end of the day, his team needs to score goals.
“We weren’t finishing [our chances] last week against Tivoli Gardens. So we are doing some work on preventing goals, and hopefully, we can capitalise on our chances,” said Gayle.
The Montego Bay-Waterhouse clash is the feature game of a Stadium East double-header and is set to kick-off at 7:30 p.m.
Former champions Arnett Gardens tackle Molynes United in the opening game set to start at 5 p.m. at the same venue.
Both teams each have one point following similar 0-0 score lines last weekend.