Adrian Frater, News Editor

Meadhaven's Leighton Neita celebrates scoring a goal. - Ian Allen/Staff Photograpapher

Western Bureau:

Meadhaven United's miserable foray in the Digicel Premier League finally came to an end on Sunday afternoon when they surprised Village United 2-1 at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay to register their first win of the season, after nine games.

Striker Leighton Neita was the hero for the Meadhaven team, getting a goal in each half.

Troy Smith, who played out his heart for Village United, justifiably got the consolation goal for his team, which is positioned at seventh on 11 points.

"It was a very a good game, especially since winning away from home is usually very good in terms of confidence building," said Meadhaven's coach Alrick Clarke, who is reportedly being threatened with dismissal by the club's management. "I hope this is the beginning of better times with the club."

Difficult time

Regarding reports that the axe is hanging over his head, Clarke admitted that it has been a difficult time for him with the team starting the season with six defeats and two drawn results. However, he was adamant that he was prepared to fight on with the club.

"I am a Meadhaven man from birth and I will always be a Meadhaven man," said the resolute Clarke. "Although the water has been rough at times, I will always be here because I am committed to serving Meadhaven."

For Village United's coach Dr Dean Weatherley, who recovered from a bad start to the season before hitting a purple patch which saw then registering consecutive wins against Waterhouse FC (2-0), Rivoli United (3-2) and Sporting Central Academy (1-0), the defeat was most disappointing as it followed last weekend's 2-1 loss to Reno FC.

"It was just one of those days where we carried things over from the Reno game and again failed to perform against a team that had not been doing well," said Dr Weatherley. "We really need to lift up ourselves and get results from the teams that are below us in the standings, we just can't keep on giving away games to these teams."

Bounce back

While his team's recent form has not been encouraging, Dr Weatherley said there is no need to start pushing the panic button as, according to him, they have the capacity to bounce back.

"We just have to go back to the drawing board and iron out a few things. The midfield has been a sore point and we just have to find a way to get it right, there is just no fluency in there," noted Dr Weatherley. "We are concerned, but not worried, as the leaders are just a few points ahead of us."

In a game, which was somewhat lacking in both excitement and intensity, Meadhaven had the early advantage and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 31st minute. Neita won possession in a scramble before the goal and fired home to make the score 1-0, which remained until half-time.

Lifeline

Village drew level in the 51st minute when Smith's curling right-sided corner eluded all and sundry and lodged into the back of the net, making the score 1-1 and giving his team a bounce back.

However, the Meadhaven team, which remains rooted at the bottom of the standings with five points, was to have the last laugh as Neita caught the Village defence napping in the 60th minute and fired home easily, giving his team their first win of the season.