Vere, Molynes share points in JPL clash

Coaches Linval Dixon of Vere United and Molynes United's Alex Thomas were both satisfied after their teams' 0-0 draw in the opening game of a Jamaica Premier League (JPL) doubleheader at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex yesterday.

Both teams created good chances over the 90 minutes, with Vere hitting the woodwork twice. But in the end both had to settle for a point.

"It was a good 90 minutes for us," Dixon said. "I think we started really well. We started on a high in the first half. We created some chances and should have taken at least one of them.

"But such is the nature of the game. I love what I saw from my team and hopefully, we can continue on that trend."

Vere came closest to breaking the deadlock with Steve Pinnock rattling the bar with a superb curling shot early in the match, while Lamar Neil smashed a free kick against the bar later on.

Neil also had a header from a very close range denied by goalkeeper Maximus Davis.

"That (creating chances) is a plus for us. We have been working this season on getting numbers inside the box, creating opportunities and scoring.

"But today our scoring boots weren't on. It is work-in-progress but I really love what I saw. We can build on that," said Dixon whose team only managed 15 goals last season.

Although Vere came closest, Molynes had more of the chances, but neither Rashawn Livingston nor Jason Wright, who had the bulk of the openings, could make any count.

Nevertheless, Thomas thought a point was a good way to begin their season.

"It was a fair result. The first game of the season. It is good way to start with one point. Now we move on to the next game," he said.

Although disappointed they could make better use of their chances, he contends that it is still early days yet.

"It's (finishing) not quite there as yet. But it is the early part of the season and we know there is a lot of work to be done, and we will go back to the training pitch to fix everything," he said.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com