Brown, Merrick fire MBU to victory

FORMER champions Montego Bay United (MBU) blanked Chapelton Maroons 2-0 to secure a comfortable win in their opening Jamaica Premier League (JPL) clash at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay yesterday.

MBU’s Deonjay Brown broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute before Dwight Merrick doubled the lead in the 85th minute.

Newly appointed MBU coach, Javier Ainstein, said the team maintained possession well.

“It is always important to win. We had some good moments in the game, trying to take the possession from our opponents. We suffered a little at the end of the first half, but we have a very deep roster,” said Ainstein.

For Ainstein, the depth of the roster was important, as substitutions made a significant difference in maintaining control.

“The changes made a difference. We have a very good team that started the match and a very good team to finish the match,” added Ainstein.

Meanwhile, Craig Butler, Chapelton’s coach, said while the team conceded two goals, the players did not perform poorly despite a difficult day overall.

“We have done great recruitment. We’re working on the gelling and ensuring the system is adhered to, and we’ll be fine. I think we have 38 games left, this is the first game of the season.

“I don’t think the boys played badly. We could do way better in possession, more identity, and patterns. It was a difficult day on all sides,” added Butler.

In a highly anticipated game, Brown outjumped the defence to head home Devonte Campbell’s cross midway the first half.

Both teams were awarded penalties but failed to convert. Chapelton pressed hard late but despite their pressure, they were unable to break down MBU’s resilient back line on home soil.

Then in the 85th minute, Merrick controlled the ball on his thigh and powered home from outside the 18-yard box to secure the win.