Thomas strike keeps MoBay in touch

SHANIEL THOMAS’ 16th-minute strike carried Montego Bay United to a 1-0 win over Chapelton Maroons, as the western Jamaica team kept pace with Arnett Gardens but remained third in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex yesterday.

Thomas was given time and space on top of the area and MoBay’s leading scorer fired a low shot past Prince Daniel-Smith in goal.

Coach Paul ‘Tegat’ Davis said it was not an easy game for his team.

“As I said to my team. The teams in the bottom places are fighting against relegation. It will not be an easy game. It is how we manage the game and I thought we managed the game well tonight in terms of possession,” he said.

“We slipped up here and there but nevertheless we got an early goal. Maybe I knew we would get a 1-0 lead, so I told them you can score one goal in the first half but it is how you monitor the game and I thought we did well.”

MoBay took charge of possession after Thomas’ goal and had a few half chances that they failed to make the most of.

Chapelton tried to work themselves back into the contest towards the end of the half but no real goalscoring opportunities were forthcoming.

Jourdain Fletcher had a good chance minutes after the break but could not get the proper contact as MoBay continued to control possession and create openings but were not sharp in front of goal.

Chapelton kept going until the end and had a chance at the death but Javel Ellis could not turn his effort past Davonnie Burton in added time.

MoBay are 12 points behind leaders Mount Pleasant on 56 points and were a point adrift of Arnett who were yet to complete their encounter against Racing United in the late game.

Chapelton sit outside the relegation zone on goal difference ahead of Vere United.

Chapelton coach Vassell Reynolds said despite the defeat, he was pleased with the performance.

“I thought it was a soft goal. But we gave a good account of ourselves,” he commented.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com