Waterhouse reap dividends from ‘working hard’

Newly-appointed head coach for Waterhouse FC, Javier Ainstein, acknowledged the team's continuous efforts at improving after the Kingston-based club notched another win in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL), at Drax Hall Sports Complex on Sunday.

Waterhouse FC clipped Concacaf Caribbean Cup champions Mount Pleasant Football Academy 1-0, securing back-to-back wins since the change of head coach. It was the first time Waterhouse were registering consecutive wins since the season started, and the second loss for Mount Pleasant.

"I am here one month and some days more. I know that the previous coach had a lot of time working with the team and I am respectful of that. However, it's no issue when you are here from a different culture, language, style of play and formation," said Ainstein.

"At the beginning it was a mini crisis, but we didn't resign and we're always working hard without (a) day off. The players are very happy with the win," Ainstein added, noting the idea is to improve in managing matches with the ball while maintaining positive results.

The 20th-round win pushed Waterhouse up the table into eighth on 24 points, three adrift Mount Pleasant in fourth, who are 15 points behind leaders Montego Bay United (42).

Mount Pleasant have only played 15 JPL games due to their participation in the Concacaf Caribbean Championship, which they won.

Determined to make a statement, Waterhouse delivered a disciplined defensive performance in front of an intense crowd.

MAGICAL MOMENT

Midway through the first half, Waterhouse FC's Guyanese star Neron Barrow produced a moment of magic, curling an unstoppable effort from outside the 18-yard box into the net for the winner.

Waterhouse's goalkeeper Roje Williams then produced several brilliant saves to also help his team keep the advantage.

"When I saw Mount Pleasant get the (scoring) opportunity, I tell myself that I have to come up big because today's game means a lot and this is my second game playing here and winning," Williams recalled. "When I was at Vere United I did it, and then now at Waterhouse. Now we come out with three points.

"January is my birth month so I tell myself I have to celebrate and make it special," added Williams.

Mount Pleasant pressed hard and attacked but despite their pressure, they were unable to break down Waterhouse's resilient back line.

ADJUSTMENTS NEEDED

Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore, head coach of Mount Pleasant, said there is need for adjustments and improvements, emphasising the importance of learning from the loss and preparing for the next game.

"There are a lot of things that need to be done. We have a short turnaround time here. There are some things we need to adjust, and probably some changes going into the next game on Wednesday, so you will see," said Whitmore.

Mount Pleasant will host Arnett Gardens tomorrow in a rescheduled JPL match at Drax Hall, St Ann at 3 p.m.