CHAMPIONS Montego Bay United returned to winning ways with a comprehensive 2-0 win against a stubborn Barbican FC in their Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) match at the UWI Bowl yesterday.

Goals by substitute Omar Gordon and Fabian McCarthy in the 71st and 87th minutes, respectively, pushed Montego Bay United to their second win from five games and up two spots to sixth with seven points.

The promoted Barbican, who are yet to taste success in the premier league, slipped to their second defeat in four games and remained second from bottom with two points.

But despite their loss, Barbican, who played their home games at UWI Bowl because their field is under repair, turned in a spirited display and matched Montego Bay for at least an hour.

With the likes of former National Under-20 player Shawn Lawes composed in the heart of Barbican defence alongside Omar Walcott, Akino Bailey and Kemar Thomas and the marauding veteran Steve Green in midfield, Barbican were fairly comfortable, though they offered little upfront to really trouble the Montego Bay defence.

But once the champions cranked up the pressure, it was a different pace and Barbican had no answer and it was no surprise when they conceded two goals.

Gordon, who led Arnett Gardens to the Under-21 title a few seasons ago, came off the bench for Graeme Green in the 63rd minute and eight minutes later he was at the end of a well-weighted right-sided free kick to nod home in the 71st minute.

Barbican, to their credit, responded well in search of the equaliser but unfortunately, they conceded a late penalty when the ball hit the hand of Ramone McGregor. McCarthy then easily converted to seal victory.

Winning coach Carlos Garcia did not think it was a comfortable win as they had to work hard for the three points.

“We had to be a little bit patient because they plugged the spaces that we had. They were very compact and had a lot of players behind the ball. But I think our mental consistency helped us to be patient to score,” noted Garcia.

Junior Francis, head coach of Barbican, thought his team held its own, especially in the first half. “I thought we played a very good first half and stuck to the game plan. But I thought it was unfortunate that we gave up that first goal, allowing the striker to get a free header on goal, and the second was also unfortunate. It was just a handball and that was just the two errors that the team made.

“I thought the team played well and based on the circumstance with the players coming back from illness they will get fitter and the team will go from strength to strength as the season goes along,” said Francis.

Teams: Barbican — Ashek Taylor, Shawn Lawson, Keno Simpson, Steve Green, Ramone McGregor, Kemar Thomas, Omar Walcott, Akino Bailey, Jahmoly Green (Neico Reynolds 63rd), Shavon Charlton (Mario McDonald 84th), Jermaine Parris (Steve Broderick 76th).

Subs not used: Nicholas Campbell, Ricardo Scott, Shamiri Shaw, Andrew McLeod.

Booked: Ramone McGregor (87th)

Montego Bay United — Jacomeno Barrett, Cordel Simpson, John Barrett, Donovan Carey, Kevaun Stephens (Kemiro James 46th), Ladale Richie, Fabian McCarthy, Jermaine Woozencroft, Graeme Green (Omar Gordon 63rd), Leslie St Fleur, Allan Ottey (Winston Wilkinson 86th).

Subs not used: Garen Downie, O’Carey Spence.

Booked: St Fleur (34th), Richie (60th), Woozencroft (90th+3)

Referee: Oshane Nation

Assistant Referees: Omar Mills, Stefanie Dale

Fourth Official: Karl Tyrell

Match Commissary: Andrew Payne