Schoolboy saviour! - Fletcher scores stunner on debut in MBU win

Western Bureau:

Schoolboy Jourdaine Fletcher took his goalscoring form into the Red Stripe Premier League, scoring on debut for champions Montego Bay United (MBU) in their 2-1 win over struggling Waterhouse FC yesterday at Wes Pow Park.

Fletcher's goal was a sublime effort as the striker, who took the field at half-time for the injured Dino Williams, connected on a sweet volley in the 68th minute from just inside the Waterhouse 18-yard box to score his first goal of what is an already promising start to his club career.

It was the cap to a stirring rearguard effort from the home side, having to battle their way back after Deandre Brown had fired the visitors into a 40th- minute lead.

Waterhouse held the advantage into the half-time break, but surrendered tamely in the second half, allowing a rare goal from MBU captain Dwayne Ambusley in the 61st minute for the equaliser, before Fletcher's stunning volley sealed the victory for MBU, who now have 38 points after the Christmas break.

Waterhouse lost all composure and went down to ten men after Nicholy Findlayson was issued a second yellow card in the 63rd minute.

Fletcher, who won the 2016 daCosta Cup title with Cornwall College, told The Gleaner he knew he would score, having promised the coaching staff in training sessions that he would.

"It is a great feeling to be in a team like this, with stars like Owayne Gordon, Allan Ottey, Dino Williams and Jermaine Woozecroft, and I knew that once I got some minutes I would have scored," stated Fletcher.

"I wanted to play really badly and when I was warming up, I could see myself scoring and I did just that. Words cannot express the feeling I have right now," he added.

Fletcher is one of five schoolboy footballers to sign for MBU at the start of the January transfer window.

He said while he will not limit himself to a final goal tally, he just wants to enjoy playing among men while learning all that he can from the experienced players in the squad.

"I think this team is very strong in attack with all the star players here and I am coming here to add my flavour and see what happens. So far, it's an excellent start. I just want to continue scoring goals for this team," said Fletcher.

If his thirty goals for Cornwall College this year are anything to go by, then Fletcher could well be on his way in staking a claim of the best young player in the country.

At Frome, a returning Craig Foster struck twice to lead Reno FC to a commanding 2-0 win over cellar-dwellers Boys' Town FC at the Frome Sports Complex. Foster was on target in the 12th and 41st minutes, respectively.

"This was a complete game from the players. Fletcher came in at halftime and scored on debut. It was a well written script," said MBU's assistant coach Dillon Thelwell.

A disappointed Waterhouse coach Glendon Bailey said his team gave up after taking the lead, but vowed to take the club away from the relegation places.

Yesterday's results

Arnett Gardens 5 UWI FC 3

Reno 3 Boys' Town 0

Jamalco 0 Portmore United 1

Montego Bay 2 Waterhouse 1

Tivoli Gardens 1 Maverley-Hughenden 0

Harbour View 1 Humble Lion 0