Fletcher keeps MoBay rolling

Jourdain Fletcher scored the lone goal as Montego Bay United defeated Racing United 1-0 in the feature Jamaica Premier League (JPL) game at the Drewsland Mini Stadium yesterday.

The win put Montego Bay level on seven points with Tru-Juice at the top of the table, and coach Javier Ainstein thought it was a near-perfect performance from his team.

“I really appreciate the effort of the players. I am happy that the grass [at Drewsland] is very good and we can play with a good buildup with long possession, “ Ainstein said.

“We controlled the game. I am happy that we scored in the first half and could then manage the match. Maybe we could have scored again but it wasn’t possible. It was, however, a really good performance from the team.”

He also highlighted his team’s defensive efforts.

“In three matches we haven’t conceded any goals. Three clean sheets, that is good for us.”

Montego Bay dominated the early proceedings, forcing their opponents back deep into their half, with former Mount Pleasant winger Devonte Campbell causing major problems for the Racing defence.

Fletcher had a great opening to put Montego Bay ahead early, but he missed the chance after great work by Campbell.

Montego Bay eventually broke the deadlock after some sustained pressure, which resulted in Fletcher slamming home from eight yards.

Racing had very little going forward. They, however, had a good opportunity on a rare attack, but Nathal Ellis’ weak effort was easily handled by Davonnie Button in goal.

The winners continued to control possession after the break and Deonjay Brown fired a good chance over in the 56th minute.

Brown should have made it 2-0 when he found round inside the six yards box, but could not beat goalkeeper Arron Enill from close range.

Racing who came into the game as league leaders, slipped to fourth on six points, but despite the loss coach Densill Theobald said it was a valiant effort from his team, though he lamented the absence of leading scorer Tajay Grant, who is missing because of national duties.

“The team deserves praise for the way we performed, as we applied ourselves,” Theobald said.

“Tajay Grant is important and integral to what we are doing and what we want to create at Racing United, so he will always be missed, especially when we didn’t have a services tonight. But we will press on and move on to the next encounter,” he added.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Yesterday’s Results

Cavalier 3-2 Arnett

Mount Pleasant 2-0 Dundeholden

Tru-Juice 1-0 Molynes

Portmore 4-1 Humble Lion

Tivoli 1-1 Chapelton