Molynes survival bid gets a boost with Tivoli win

Molynes United created a three-points gap between themselves and the relegation zone after a 2-0 win over Tivoli Gardens at Drax Hall last night.

Nicholas Nelson swept home a Samuel Oke pass from close range to give Molynes the lead after 13 minutes of play. Shevon Miller sealed the deal with a 73rd-minute strike, firing home a pass from Nelson.

Molynes stayed in 11th place with the win but climbed to 39 points, two more than Treasure Beach and three ahead of Harbour View in 13th.

The Jermaine Thomas-coached team has hit top form over the last few weeks, taking maximum 12 points from their last four matches, to climb out of the bottom two, and Thomas was once again pleased with his team’s outing.

“I thought it was a good one. We got two goals, that’s the most important thing, and at this stage of the season three points is just awesome. When you get it, you take it.

“We missed a lot of goals, a little concern, but grateful for the three points, two goals, and a clean sheet. What more can you ask?” he commented.

Tivoli coach Jerome Waite said Molynes were more purposeful and the better team on the day

“Tivoli, we have not done enough. Molynes looked the better team. They know the position they are in, and they fought to ensure they got that win,” he said.

A win for Molynes in their next game would all but secure their stay in the top flight for another season, as Harbour View could only join them on 42 points and Molynes have a superior goal difference of -3, compared to Harbour View’s -20.

However, for their last two games of the season Molynes will face direct rivals for survival, Harbour View on Sunday and Treasure Beach next Wednesday.

Unlike Molynes and Harbour View, Treasure Beach have nine points to play for, as they have a rescheduled game against Tivoli this Wednesday, and a win there would be a big step towards avoiding the drop.

After Tivoli, they go up against league leaders Montego Bay United on Sunday, before closing off against Molynes.

Meanwhile, Harbour View will be looking to halt Molynes’ run to safety when the teams meet on Sunday. But if they are successful, they will have fierce rivals and defending champions Cavalier to battle in their last game next Wednesday. And with Cavalier still in the hunt for their place in the play-offs, this could make it all the more difficult for five-time national champions Harbour View to maintain their 30-odd-year stay in the league.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com