Paul Clarke, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Interim coach at Savannah Sports Club, Everton Tomlinson, says the draw against Boys' Town last week was the catalyst for Sunday's 1-0 victory over Montego Bay United in the Red Stripe Premier League football competition.

The Westmoreland-based club, inspired by new team captain Adrian Robinson, who scored from the penalty spot in the 45th minute - his third goal in two matches - set the tone for his team's first win in 18 games and its first at home since stopping Harbour View FC in the third round.

"This victory was long in coming, and we have to look back to that narrow one-nil loss to Arnett the match before, then we played extremely well but failed to hold on to the lead against Boys' Town in that 2-2 draw.

"But I think it was that game that really got us believing again that we can win, and it was evident against MoBay United, and it was a fair result, being that we played really well for the 90-odd minutes," said Tomlinson.

It was opportunity wasted for United, who had their eyes trained on a spot in the end-of-round final, but find themselves stuck on 18 second-round points and fourth spot overall on 34.

Sunday's win was only the fourth for Savannah from 21 games and 15 points from a maximum 63, making them the least productive of the 12 RSPL clubs. They trail 11th-place Highgate United by five points.

Tomlinson, however, is certain that his team will find a way out of the relegation dogfight.

"This win came at the right time, because we needed a little help to motivate our players. We know that we will be in the bottom six in the table, but it does not mean we cannot get out of the relegation places," reasoned Tomlinson.

"We know what we have to do, and it started on Sunday. Now we just have to keep winning and hope that those teams above us slip up. But right now, I am happy with what we did and what I saw from the players out there. It can only get better from here."