3 days ago
6
RACING UNITED head coach Anthony Patrick believes his 0-3 loss to Montego Bay United in Jamaica Premier League action at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Monday night had more to do with the referee than with a difference in quality between the teams.
A brace from Owayne Gordon and a goal from Peter-Lee Vassell led the way for Montego Bay, however, the Racing boss feels the scoreline did not reflect the better team on the day.
“I think the referee decided the game and took it out of our hands,” Patrick said in his post-game interview.
After a strong start where they created half-chances at goal, Racing saw their momentum derailed when defender Romaine Bowers was shown a straight red card in the 10th minute.
Patrick said despite their numerical disadvantage, his team had created the better chances throughout the game.
“With the 10 men, we still played well right through the entire first half and the only chance they got was the penalty. We were in charge of the game right through and I think in the second half, we started well again.”
Patrick also said the referee had failed to correctly punish several ill-timed tackles from Montego Bay players which should have seen them being sent off the park as well.
“If the referee had taken control of the game, I think the MoBay team should have gone down to nine or 10 because there were a lot of fouls and two-footed tackles but that is just a part of the game. We just have to brush off ourselves and come again.”
The result was a heavy blow to Racing’s fight for a final playoff spot as they sit eighth in the league standings with 48 points.
They trail Waterhouse, who sit sixth on 52 and Tivoli Gardens, seventh on 51.
Racing does hold an advantage with a game in hand and Patrick insists his players are ready to continue their fight for a spot in the playoffs.
“The heads are still up, they are still ready to play. We have four games to go. We just have to go out there and dig deep and try to get maximum points,” he said.
“As I said, we just have to regroup and come again. They are still upbeat and still want to play and that is important.”
Racing’s next game will see them take on Molynes United on Sunday.
English (US) ·