Maverley bag three points in Waterhouse brawl
Roberto Fletcher threw a lifeline to Maverley-Hughenden FC with a 54th-minute goal that earned them a 1-0 win over Waterhouse FC in an ugly Red Stripe Premier League match at the Constant Spring Complex on Wednesday.
The former Waterhouse FC winger was on spot to poke home the clincher from a goal-mouth scrimmage after teammate Nicholas Nelson had missed the goal seconds before from less than three feet.
It was Maverley-Hughenden’s first win in their last 12 matches – five of which were drawn.
The three points left Maverley (10th place) with 28 points, the same as Waterhouse (ninth), with both precariously above the relegation zone. Jamalco FC are in 11th position with 26 points, while Boys’ Town languish at the bottom with 23 points.
But for coach Anthony Patrick, Wednesday’s win brought some measure of relief.
“These three points were very important and mean a great deal for us moving forward… we must now look to gain maximum points from the teams at the lower half of the competition,” said Patrick.
Waterhouse coach Glendon “Admiral” Bailey was obviously disappointed, but remains upbeat as he looks ahead.
“We knew beforehand that at this stage it would not get any easier, but we just have to put these two setbacks behind us and look forward to Monday’s game. I think that we are resourceful enough to go back to the drawing board and then come again,” he said.
Wednesday’s game was just as untidy as when the two teams last met at Drewsland, where Waterhouse won 2-1. A total of 11 cautions were issued with one player from each side being expelled. Former Waterhouse captain Irvino English was the first to receive his marching orders for two bookable offences for violent conduct. Next to go was Raymond Williamson of Maverley for insulting and abusive language.
Teams:
Maverley-Hughenden FC – Jovell Plunkett, Robert Fletcher, Kasai Hinds, Nackwayne Parchment (Andrew Peddlar 46), Troy Moulton, Denardo Thomas, Raymond Williamson, Akeem Brown (Shamari Dyer 79th), Phillip Peddie, Nicholas Scott, Nicholas Nelson.
Subs not used: George Brown, Jamoy Sibbles, Robert Williams, Ricardo Thomas, Odane Samuels
Booked:
Fletcher (10th), Scott (40th), Williamson (45th, 85th-ejected), Brown (84th)
Waterhouse FC — Romaine Bowers, Carlos Wright, Weston Forrest, Irvino English, Shaquille Dyer (Oshane Roberts 80th), Romario Campbell, Nicholi Finlayson, Rodave Murray, DeAndre Brown (Kemar Beckford 46th), Sebastian Valenzuela, Donovan Nelson (Neicko Williams 46th).
Subs not used: Omar Palmer, Javoni Simms, Akeem Chambers, Shawn McKoy
Booked: Wright (26th), Dyer (29th), English (35th, 36th-ejected), Campbell (45+1), Finlayson (71st)
Referee:
Daneon Parchment
Assistant Referees:
Nicholas Anderson, Ojay Duhaney
Fourth Official: Oshane Nation
Match Commissioner: Ainsley Sharpe
— Hurbun Williams