Dunbeholden still goalless in 2023-24 JPL season

THE LENWORTH Hyde-coached Dunbeholden are still waiting for their first goal in the 2023-24 Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) after a thrilling 0-0 draw with newcomers Treasure Beach Football Club at STETHS Sports Complex yesterday.

Dunbeholden have played four matches, losing two and drawing two. They have conceded five goals, after losing 0-2 to Portmore and 0-3 to Mount Pleasant. Their other matches were 0-0 affairs.

In yesterday’s match, the first attempt at goal came from Treasure Beach’s Jay Jamieson, but his very good shot was tipped over the bar by Dunbeholden’s goalkeeper, Damian Hyatt.

Out of frustration during the first half Omar ‘Rambo’ Wedderburn, head coach of Treasure Beach, was heard screaming at the top of his lungs, telling his players to stick to the game plan.

Treasure Beach would grow into the game in the second half with more energy and goal attempts.

In the early stages of the half, Dunbeholden fought hard to score but could not get past the solid Treasure Beach defence.

Treasure Beach increased the pace of the game midway the half and had the home fans on their feet as they pushed forward. They got the chances but failed to convert them.

In one of their best chances, striker Damian Herrera hit the post, but Jamieson sent the rebound far into the stands. Their final chance came when Courton Wright found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but he kicked wide.

Wedderburn told The Gleaner that he was happy with the point.

“I think we got the chances, but we did not put them away. We came here today with a game plan, but we appreciate the point today. We set out for the first two home games to get, if not six points, we are going to take four. What I saw today was good. It showed that we can build on this display and go forward. Game by game, we can look at things we need to work on to be better. We played against a nice Dunbeholden team, and we can measure ourselves in these games. Overall, the performance was good because we followed the game plan,” Wedderburn said.

Hyde said the players have to begin to score goals.

“We have played four games now, and we haven’t scored a goal. There is a problem in that area, and we need to fix it. We never created enough chances in the game, and that is why we got the draw, and I am a little disappointed with the result. We played in patches. Our aim was to come out with a clean sheet and win the game and collect three points. We need to be more composed (in front of the goal), play as a team, and try to get more scoring opportunities,” Hyde said.