W’house strengthen playoff hopes

Waterhouse improved their chances for a top-six Jamaica Premier League (JPL) play-off spot after a 1-0 win over Cavalier, whose ambitions to finish in the top two became a little vulnerable after their first defeat in three games.

Denardo Thomas fired the hosts ahead after 19 minutes for three vital points at the Waterhouse Mini-Stadium yesterday.

The result puts sixth-place Waterhouse level on 40 points with Humble Lion, who drew 1-1 with seventh Portmore, who fell four points behind Waterhouse.

Waterhouse assistant coach Damion Gordon said they are not comfortable yet, because they have two very difficult games remaining against Portmore and Humble Lion.

"For now (we are safe), but we have a lot of work to do. We have two games to go, and we just have to continue to work hard," Gordon commented.

"It was a very difficult game but a very necessary victory. We worked our socks off. The team played very compact, and we got a lot of chances and should have buried the game early, but we will take this any day," he added.

Both teams started strongly but the hosts got the breakthrough when Thomas slotted home his rebound after his initial attempt was denied by Vino Barclett in goal.

Waterhouse grew stronger after the goal and had a few good chances to add to their lead, but the brilliance of Barclett kept them at bay.

Cavalier were never far off, but chances were at a minimum despite some encouraging moves forward.

After the break, Cavalier threw everything forward in search of an equaliser and despite coming close on a few occasions they never really tested Kemar Foster in goal.

The defeat means Cavalier slipped from the top of the table to second on 46 points, three behind Arnett Gardens, who won 2-0 against Faulkland, who have now joined fellow promoted team Chapelton as the relegated teams this season.

"The place that we want is first or second. We had enough of a lead (to stay second), but we will have to win the next two to be sure, said Cavalier coach Rudolph Speid.

"We have been involved in the (Lynk Cup) knockout in the last two weeks and it has taken a toll on us. So with a full week's rest, we will come back strong against Molynes, and we just need to win against them and against MoBay (Montego Bay United) to get one of those two spots," Speid insisted.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS

Arnett Gardens 2 vs Faulkland 0

Portmore 1 vs Humble Lion 1

Molynes 4 vs Tivoli Gardens 3

Montego Bay 0 vs Harbour View 1

TODAY'S MATCHES

Dunbeholden vs Vere United at 5 p.m.

Mount Pleasant vs Chapelton at 7:30 p.m.

Both matches at the Ashenheim Stadium