Draw a setback for Portmore, says coach Williams

Portmore United coach Philip Williams says yesterday’s point in their crucial Jamaica Premier League (JPL) game against Waterhouse at the Ferdie Neita Park is a setback to their playoff hopes.

Emilio Rousseau’s 32nd-minute own goal gave Waterhouse a first-half lead, but Alex Marshall ensured point for Portmore with a well-taken strike in the 56th minute.

Waterhouse lost three points in the boardroom for the use of an ineligible player, Shaquiel Bradford, who had an accumulation of yellow cards, and Williams thought it was an opportunity missed.

“Based on the points table, it (draw) was a setback for us. We were looking for three points, playing at home. With the amount of possession and chances we had in the second half we did enough to bag all three points,” Williams said.

He pointed out that the points deducted from Waterhouse did not change their approach to the game. The aim was always to get the win.

“Before we knew, we were looking for a victory, and we came to the match with that in mind,” he said.

Marshall had the first chance of the match, but an alert goalkeeper Kemar Foster blocked his effort.

After weathering the early pressure, Waterhouse took control of midfield through Ramone Howell and eventually broke the deadlock when Rousseau turned the ball into his own net from a corner.

Portmore started the second half on the front foot and got the equaliser when Marshall eluded his marker and slammed a left-foot shot past Foster from 12 yards.

The home team, lifted by the goal, created a number of other openings, with Marshall at the heart of it all.

However, Waterhouse had their moments, and only an excellent reflex save from William Benjamin denied Kenroy Howell from four yards.

At the other end, Foster miraculously pulled off a fine double save that had goal written all over it.

Waterhouse went down to 10 players in time added when Elvis Wilson was red carded for a late challenge on the elusive Marshall.

With one round to go, Portmore have 37 points, one behind Waterhouse who dropped to seventh and Dunbeholden who climbed to sixth on goal difference after a 7-1 drubbing of Chapelton Maroons.

“Mathematically, we still have a chance. We have to approach that (last) game positively because it is our last chance to secure a top-six position,” Williams added.

Waterhouse assistant coach Damion Gordon said it was not the result they were hoping for but gave thanks for the point.

“One game to go for the season, and that is a home game for us. We will approach that game with confidence because we just have to deliver,” he said.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Yesterday’s results

Humble Lion 1 Mount Pleasant 1

Tivoli 5 Montego Bay 2

Vere United 1 Faulkland 1

Chapelton 1 Dunbeholden 7

Today’s games

5 p.m: Cavalier vs Molynes United

7:30 p.m: Arnett Gardens vs Harbour View

Both games will be played at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex