‘We nullified that’ - Waterhouse coach happy with perfect start but wants better accuracy in front of goal

Waterhouse coach Donovan Duckie is pleased with his team’s perfect start to the season but less impressed with its profligacy in front of goal.

Duckie was speaking after his team secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Treasure Beach on Sunday at Drewsland Stadium to move up to third in the standings.

First-half goals from Colorado Murray (35th) and Mario Simms (37th) were enough to carry the home side to their second win from as many games, with seven goals scored and none conceded.

“We understood their strengths,” said Duckie of Treasure Beach.

“We nullified that. We made it difficult for them, but our finishing was dismal again, but we still have time. Give thanks for the clean sheet and two goals, “ he said.

Waterhouse established their dominance early and took the lead when Simms won possession near the top of the penalty area. Murray pounced on the loose ball and slotted past goalkeeper Chandol Anderson.

The goal lifted the hosts and, two minutes later, they won possession in midfield and transitioned quickly into the box, where Simms fired a low shot beyond Anderson.

“We started the game flat,” Duckie said.

“That wasn’t our normal tendency, but we grew into the game and grew in confidence after the first goal.

“Treasure Beach kept us honest. They are a quality team and we could not count them out. We caught them in transition two times and that was deliberate, and full credit to the guys.”

Waterhouse continued to create the better chances after the break. Rohan Brown had two early opportunities in the half but failed to convert, while Dwayne Burgher and Martin Davis were also unable to capitalise on openings.

Although Treasure Beach improved after the interval, Waterhouse were able to contain their attacks.

Treasure Beach coach Kemar Ricketts said that while his team is still working its way towards full fitness, the manner in which they conceded the two goals was disappointing.

“It is something I always talk against and coach against, passing the ball back there. Even if he [Jay Jamieson] had controlled the ball, he would be under pressure. It is just sad that that happened in that moment,” he said.

“The second half we made some switches and tried to get some things going. We did not get it but we stayed there, but it is still a work in progress.”

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com