Waterhouse take over JPL lead

WATERHOUSE CLIMB to the top of the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) standing for the first time this season after battling to a goalless draw with Portmore United at the Ferdi Neita Park yesterday.

Both team had chances, but in the end, a point was fair.

The result lifted Waterhouse to 21 points, one more than Montego Bay United, who slumped to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Mount Pleasant at Drax Hall. Portmore stayed in third on 20 points, the same as MoBay.

“It was a good tactical battle today. I just thought we were unfortunate in front of the goal,” said Waterhouse coach Marcel Gayle.

“It was a good game tactically, and we were disciplined.

“But with a little more patience in the final third, we could have capitalised on some of the chances.

“But we are still being consistent. We kept a clean sheet on the road against a Portmore team that has been playing well. So it was a tough one, but it was a good game,” he added.

The home team controlled the first 30 minutes and had some very good openings. But the Waterhouse defence stood firm, keeping them off the scoresheet.

Waterhouse’s best openings came from two defensive blunders while Portmore attempted to pass out from the back. But on both occasions, they failed to take advantage.

The visitors got better towards the end of the half, but Portmore were always in control as the period ended goalless.

Portmore had the first opening after the break, but Junior Grizzle missed a good chance to put them in front fives minutes into the half.

However, Waterhouse looked far more purposeful after the interval and had some threatening moments that kept the Portmore defence honest.

Waterhouse continued to get better as the half wore on. But it was Portmore’s Shacquwell Henry who came close to a winner 10 minutes from time. However, he glanced his header wide of the target from six yards.

After failing to win in two straight matches at home, Portmore coach Rudolph Austin said their needs to be improvement in the final third.

“Our problem has been in the final third, and we have been trying to fix it. The decision-making is off at the moment, and we have to fix that.

“But it is always good not to lose. At the end of the day, we got a few opportunities that we could have capitalised on, but we didn’t, and we just have to blame ourselves for that. Waterhouse came and played a decent game also, and we have to give them credit.”

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Yesterday’s results

Mount Pleasant 3-0 MBU

Portmore United 0-0 Waterhouse FC

Humble Lion 0-0 Dunbeholden

Tivoli 6-0 Harbour View