MOUNT PLEASANT Football Academy came away with an impressive 4-0 win over newcomers Racing United during their Jamaica Premier League (JPL) football match at the Montego Bay Sports Complex yesterday.
Overwhelming favourites Mount Pleasant collected their first goal courtesy of Gadail Irving in the 23rd minute, with Devonte Campbell doubling the lead in the 45th.
Racing United’s Romaine Bowers was issued a red card in the 46th to make things harder for the debutants and in the 72nd minute, Daniel Green made the man’s advantage count from the penalty spot.
Action was brought to a standstill after a power outage, lasting approximately 10 minutes. However, the outage did not stop the one-way traffic and Shande James sealed the result with a strike in 86th.
In the first half, a costly error by Racing United saw Irving’s curling free kick strike home.
Things may have been different for Racing United had they capitalised on a penalty they were awarded not long after going behind. Mount pleasant made them pay.
“I wouldn’t say it is a comfortable win. The Mount Pleasant team makes it look that way. We were clinical in front of goal despite missing some opportunities. We were a bit more direct, and we created and took our chances,” said Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitmore, coach of Mount Pleasant.
“We have more time to focus now after the CONCACAF (Caribbean Cup). It is an international break with a few days off to get players ready. We are not at where we want to be, so we still have some work to do,” he added.
Meanwhile, Paul Walker, coach of Racing United, said it was just a bad game for the new team.
“I think the four-nil defeat was because of the red card. However, the four goals scored on us were caused by our error. I think it was just a bad day for us, and we have to just go back and focus on the next game. We have to just aim high and keep smart moving forward,” Walker said.