Thomas dedicates win to agent who lost his father yesterday

Molynes United coach Alex Thomas has dedicated his team’s 2-1 win over Waterhouse in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) to agent and former national player Damani Ralph, whose father passed away yesterday.

Molynes defeated Waterhouse with goals from Jermy Nelson (penalty) and Jason Wright, at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex. Shaquiel Bradford scored for Waterhouse.

Thomas wanted to remember his good friend in his time of mourning after a rare win.

“I am dedicating this one to my friend and brother, Damani Ralph. His father passed away today (Sunday) and I want to say ‘stay strong bro, you and your family. You are close to us’,” he said.

It was also the first win for Molynes in six games, and Thomas said the points are welcomed.

“It is a valuable three points. We needed this one to start the second round on a positive note.

“In the first game against Waterhouse, they beat us 2-1, but we analysed our problems, studied them and we came out on top today,” he said.

He also credited his senior players, including man-of-the-match, goalkeeper Peter Harrison.

“We got back some senior players who were absent for the first round. We now have the Nelson brothers and Harrison, and that is a lot of experience.

“That is what we have asked from them, to step up. And they stepped up and showed their talents today and they will do more going forward,” Thomas said

Waterhouse looked more dangerous in the first half but underdogs Molynes took the lead when they were awarded a penalty and Nelson tucked away the spot kick in the 27th minute.

Waterhouse found the equaliser three minutes before the break when Bradford got behind the Molynes defence and fired an unorthodox shot through the grasp of goalkeeper Peter Harrison from a tough angle.

Andre Fletcher, Kenroy Howell and Bradford then all missed great chances to put Waterhouse ahead before half-time.

Molynes started the second half on a bright note and Wright could have done better with an early chance. Then Harrison had to pull off a point-blank save to deny Bradford.

Both teams continued to create good openings but it was Wright who got behind the defence and slammed past Foster for the winner.

“We just didn’t get the result,” Waterhouse coach Marcel Gayle stated. “I thought we played well, created a lot of opportunities, but we didn’t capitalise.

“But we take heart from this, as there has been a lot of positives and we just want to be positive going forward.”

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

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