Beckford on target as Waterhouse end year on high

Photo: Kemar Beckford scored the first goal for Waterhouse FC in their 2-0 win over Jamalco FC to close out 2016 calendar year.

Kemar Beckford and Andre McFarlane scored a goal apiece in the second half, to set up Waterhouse’s second home win of the season and the first under new coach Glendon ‘Admiral’ Bailey in an authoritative display over Jamalco FC.

The Drewsland based team made a lightning start in surprisingly mild December conditions. From the warm up session spectators could sense a new belief in the way Waterhouse went about their business they showed passion, strength, confidence and the will to win. This later transcended onto the field of play, Jermaine ‘Tuffy’ Anderson showed why he is a permanent fixture in Waterhouse’s team with some mesmerizing runs at the heart of Jamalco’s defence. As early as the 3rd minute he outfoxed his marker to break free and unleashed a thunderbolt, but fortunately for the Jamalco’s custodian Levar Williams it went wide.

The spectators rallied behind their team despite their position in the table and they were almost rewarded in the 10th minute when Nathaniel Leslie played a well weighted pass to Kemar Beckford who scurried pass Shauntel Mundel, and was one and one with the keeper, but blasted his shot wide of the upright. Waterhouse continued to dominate the game by spraying some sleek passes across the lush green park.

Jamalco tried desperately to get a foot hold of the contest but was kept at bay by veteran defender Theo Brown and young charge Stephon Brown.

Romario Campbell set up another opportunity in the 25th with a sublime through ball to Anderson whose electrifying pace allowed him to blow pass his marker like a bullet train, his twinkle toes got him past the keeper Lever Williams and with the gaping goal at his mercy, it was easier to believe that pigs can fly than to believe that he would miss. The entire stadium was left in awe as Anderson agonizingly watched his tame shot trickle wide of the upright.

Jamalco recorded their first shot in the 27th minute from a free kick at the edge of the box which chiseled off a few inches of paint off the crossbar and went into the starry night sky. Jamalco continued to live on the ledge and were very fortunate when a neat move involving Romario Campbell and Beckford, led to Beckford’s fierce drive whistling over the bar in the 40th minute. Jamalco got a double portion of luck which was the only reason they went into the half time break 0-0.

Waterhouse comfortably picked up from where they left off at the break and were rewarded in the 57th minute when a loose ball fell kindly for the hard working Beckford, who hit a ferocious scorcher from the edge of the box. A hopeless Williams could only admire the strike as it kissed the pale net of the visitor’s goal.

Trevor Smith was close in pulling his team level after his firmly met header was cleared off the line. Eleven minutes after the first goal Anderson’s cheeky flick found McFarlane in a brilliant position for Waterhouse’s second goal. He shrugged off his marker and slotted home from 12 yards. He then ran to his home supporters and gave them the rock a baby celebration in welcoming his new born.

Coach LiNval ‘Palla’ Wilson shuffled his cards and was furious with the officiating by Valdin Ledgister after he was denied a penalty shoot and a goal disallowed for offside.

Bailey introduced the veteran Irvino English to see off the game for a workmanlike victory.

A pleased Glendon Bailey told Yardie Sports, “Today’s game is a very fighting game, I think we dominated the first half and we should have been two up from the first half. However coming into a new team and you are try to bring your characteristics and philosophy to the team it won’t happen over night. I saw a fighting team and I am happy. That’s what I want and this is a good win heading into the break. This will give me more time to work with them and to implement new things and stamp my identity on the team.”

An irate Wilson said, “Poor officiating cost us the game but hats off to Waterhouse they did what they had to do. Though the goals have dried up its a work in progress and they will have to wheel and come again with the help of coach Ryan. We are not too far from the top six and that’s our aim to get there 2017.”