'This is my time of the season' - MoBay United's Williams steps up at big moment

Dino Williams on Monday night reminded all that he is a man for the big occasion, when he assisted on one goal and scored another, as defending champions Montego Bay United stormed into pole position for the final of the Red Stripe Premier League, getting the better of Waterhouse 3-1.

Williams, last season's star for Montego Bay United, especially in the semi-final and final round, where he scored five goals - including a hat-trick in the final - was again the big man for Montego Bay United in the first-leg semi-final game.

In the 63rd minute, the Jamaica national representative showed artistry as he juggled the ball before crossing skilfully for Allan Ottey to angle a header past Richard McCallum and score the opening goal.

Nine minutes later, Williams blasted home a ball that was set up nicely for him following an error by the Waterhouse defenders. Donovan Carey added the icing to the cake with a sumptuous strike to give MoBay United a 3-0 lead in the 79th minute.

Substitute Anthony Leslie scored a consolation goal for Waterhouse in minute 90+4.

"This is my time of the season," a confident Williams told The Gleaner following his game-winning show against the more-fancied Waterhouse team, who were playing at home.

Williams said that in addition to his habit of stepping up at this stage of the competition, he had to do it for his colleague, Keneil Kirlew, who had to be withdrawn after 13 minutes following a nasty injury sustained in a challenge by Evan Taylor.

"The injury to Kirlew was a nasty one. He picked up about 12 to 13 stitches. It affected me, I must tell you. I was hurt by it, but it also gave me renewed energy to fight for the team. We could not lose after that, and it was my responsibility to step up," explained Williams, who previously represented Village United of Trelawny in the Premier League.

Williams added: "Coming into last night's game, I was out because of some injuries. I knew we had to do it, so I had to put my mind in the right place. I was a bit rusty because I was short of game time because I did not play a few games, but I had to overcome that.

"To go there and get three goals - and me getting one of them - is a brilliant feeling. It sets us up nicely for the next game, and I can tell you that you will see a different Dino Williams then. You will see one who is hungry for goals.

"We will not back down. We can't let up. We have one foot in the final, so we will go out there and seal it up."