MBU coach hails team after impressive 3-1 win

MONTEGO BAY United (MBU) head coach Rodolfo Zapata has lauded his team after their impressive 3-1 Jamaica Premier League win over Waterhouse at the Montego Bay Sports Complex on Wednesday night.

The win lifted MBU to 44 points in second spot. Mount Pleasant are on top of the table and lead the way with 52, and Waterhouse are sixth with 33.

“We had ball control and effective use of the ball. We were also aggressive and worked hard when we didn’t have possession. We created many opportunities and I think we are headed in the right direction.” Zapata said.

Zapata acknowledged the supporters who have stuck with the team since day one, and hopes to continue making them proud.

“I want to dedicate these three points to our supporters. It was a test match for us because this is a play-off game. As I said, big clubs should entertain and also get good results,” the MBU coach added.

Meanwhile, Marcel Gayle, the Waterhouse head coach, said, despite losing, the team showed courage and determination.

“We were on the road and we know MBU are consistent in terms of where they are on the table. We displayed discipline and I thought we were good for most of the match. In the second half, I think we came out fighting and we got that elusive goal,” Gayle said after struggling to secure a win in the early stages of the second round.

With the transfer window open, Gayle said the team brought in players to help boost the team.

“We have brought in some young players, they are not in the squad as yet. Hopefully, the next game, we can see those players. Our focus now is on recovery and our next opponents Molynes United FC. We have to learn from these moments and go back to the drawing board and fix it going forward,” Gayle said.

MBU took the lead in the 31st minute of Wednesday’s match, courtesy of Shaniel Thomas from the penalty spot. Jean Claudio Ferreira then marked his return to the team with a header in the 44th minute to double the winners’ lead.

In the second half, both teams were evenly matched. MBU pushed Waterhouse with several attacks and, in the 71st minute, Johann ‘Chip Chop’ Weatherly hammered home from outside the 18-yard box to give the home team a 3-0 lead.

Waterhouse got their consolation goal in the 78th minute when Mario Simms scored.

MBU’s captain Owayne Gordon came on late in the second half and had two chances to increase the lead, but his shots went inches over the crossbar.