Fletcher’s brace lifts Waterhouse over Molynes
Published:Tuesday | November 12, 2024 | 12:11 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
A BRACE from Waterhouse striker Andre Fletcher extended his team’s unbeaten run to six games in the Jamaica Premier League as they defeated bottom-of-the-table Molynes United 3-1 at the Anthony Spaulding last night.
Waterhouse, who started the brighter of the two, got their first goalscoring opportunity of the encounter in the 25th minute as Atapharoy Bygrave was gifted with a one-on-one chance with Molynes’ custodian Darren Donaie but was denied by an outstretched boot.
As they continued their hunt for an opener, Donaie proved a major obstacle, denying Fletcher with a palm at his near post.
The constant pressure on the Molynes United goal would eventually pay dividends a minute later as Fletcher made amends for his earlier failure, capitalising on indecisive defending to power home his effort.
However, Molynes United were presented with a lifeline in the 44th minute, Jermy Nelson converting from the penalty spot, sending both teams down the half-time tunnel, locked at 1-1.
Waterhouse would regain the lead by the 56th minute, Fletcher capping off brilliant build-up play with a close-range tap-in.
In their defensive third, Waterhouse nullified any meaningful goalscoring opportunities from the Molynes United attackers before sealing the deal in the 85th minute through substitute Nicholas Hamilton.
Hamilton skillfully got by his markers in the box to drive home his effort and put Waterhouse joint third on the table alongside Montego Bay United on 17 points.
Damion Gordon, assistant coach of Waterhouse, explained that, despite the commanding performance, he believes his team could have done better.
“We’re grateful for the three points but, with the overall performance, I think we were off somewhat. I know we got three goals but we had a lot of chances to make it a bit more. It’s positive, it’s good for the team, as we changed the system. But, on the night, our link-up could have been better and we could’ve also communicated better during the course of the game,” he said.
Jermaine Thomas, head coach of Molynes United, lamented the poor performance of his team and believes their showing could have been better on the day.
“We started off a little slow and I think we conceded some poor ones. We lapsed at crucial times and, at this level, that is unacceptable. We have to respond better and, at this level, we can’t fall asleep like that.”