Vere United and Molynes United played to a gloomy 0-0 stalemate in their Jamaica Premier League (JPL) game at the Captain Horace Burrell Centre of Excellence, the University of the West Indies.
Both teams had a share of the points in what wasn’t the most attractive of games but more critical it lifts them both off the bottom of the table — a position they grappled with in the last season.
The Clarendon-based Vere United under the guidance of Donovan Duckie, came out in their white tops and green shorts with green socks. Molynes United coached by Calvert Fitzgerald, from the powerful Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) were in full blue.
But surprisingly, Vere’s goalkeeper Kadeem Davis’ gear was almost identical as that of his opponents.
There were not many chances from both teams in the first half but very early on, Vere United should have taken the lead as Ricardo Dennis latched onto a through ball and with only goalkeeper Roje Williams to beat, his lobbed effort went high over the bar.
The half ended 0-0 with little goalmouth action and no shots on target. But in the second half, Molynes United responded to coach Fitzgerald’s urging and had Vere on the back foot throughout.
In the 67th minute, they came close to opening the scoring as Rashwan Livingston low left-footer beat goalkeeper Kadeem Davis but rebounded off the upright. The unlucky Livingston was substituted a minute later.
Jermy Nelson almost won it for Molynes United but he found the side netting in time added on. But the general play from both teams were not the best and it was a clear indicator why both teams were fighting relegation when the season was called off in 2020.
Based on what they showed on Monday, both teams will struggle to make the playoff unless they improve drastically.
Molynes United would have left the game the more disappointing of the two having dominated the second half. But a point each was not a bad reflection of the game.
The Man-of-the-Match was Alton Lewis of Vere United who was not initially named in the
starting team but seized the opportunity with the late change.
“Coach didn’t have me in the starting team but it was a good game. My goalkeeper told me to play it simple and play for my spot if I want to stay in the team. I am a natural left-back and I had a wonderful game,” said Lewis.
Coach of Molynes United, Calvert Fitzgerald thought his team deserved maximum three points. “We wanted all three points but you have to score in order to get the three points if you are not scored against. We had some positives in the game,” said Fitzgerald.
“Duckie is a wily coach and to match wits with him out there again and I am relishing that idea,” he added.
Vere’s coach Donovan Duckie said it was a fair result as his team battled hard. “It was a fair result. Coach Fitzgerald has been around and his team was pretty much balanced
today. But I thought we created enough chances to get the first goal,” said Duckie.
He continued: “But I am surprised how well we played for the first game as we have done just one-third of our preseason preparation and it is a work in progress”.
Teams:
Vere United: 30-Kadeem Davis, 02- Ricardo Campbell, 13-Anjay Gayle, 07-Barrington Blake, 22-Dunsting Cohen, 05-Alton Lewis, 14-Javier Brown, 03-Kenroy Lumsden, 17-Ricardo Dennis, 20- Trevance Salamon (12-Tavis Grant 57th), 24-Tyrese Harrison (16-Gregory Cousins 67th).
Subs not used: 08-Najja Biggs, 40-Shavon Wilson, 45-Courton Wright, 23-Javel Ellis, 11-Ramone Plummer.
Coach: Donovan Duckie
Booked: None
Molynes United: 01-Roje Williams, 17-Damion Thomas, 05-Keith Wright, 21-Kemar Seivwright, 45-Malika Cocking, 14-Sergini Frankson, 31-Fabiki Farquharson, 07-Jermy Nelson, 08-Tyrique Wilson, 50-Rashawn Livingston (18-Oneil Small 68th), 06-Tyrique Sutherland (26-Shane Watson 89th).
Subs not used: 40-Leon Taylor, 04-Ackeem Stewart, 25-Orane Ferguson, 36-Ricardo Phipps, 15- Tyrese Wynter.
Coach: Calvert Fitzgerald
Booked: Fabiki Farquharson 31st, Kemar Seivwright 79th, Sergini Frankson 90+2
Referee: Christopher Mason
Assistant Referee 1: Stephanie Yeesing
Assistant Referee 2: Kioney Denton
Fourth Official: Odette Hamilton
Match Commissioner: Beverley Melbourne
