TUCKER, St James — Defending champions Montego Bay United (MBU) rebounded from last week’s loss to beat UWI FC 1-0 at WesPow Park yesterday, their second win over the St Andrew-based club this season in Montego Bay to maintain their place atop the points table in the Red Stripe Premier League.

John Barrett’s headed goal in the 33rd minute, his first of the season, was the difference between the teams that came into the game separated by two points.

The win, which was MBU’s sixth in seven games, took them to 34 points and still two ahead of Tivoli Gardens.

After giving up a lead last week and going down against Humble Lion, MBU’s Assistant Coach Dillon Thelwell was happy for the win and told the Jamaica Observer it showed character.

“After going down in our last encounter to Humble Lion, the team showed character today and, based on training this week, we knew this was coming. It was a good performance,” he said.

“Technically and tactically we were good, and it showed in the second half when we dominated,” Thewell said, before adding: “Over-all it was a good team performance.”

UWI FC’s Head Coach Marcel Gayle rued what he said was a “soft goal” against his team, but said his players did well, but just came up short.

“This is a top-of-the-table clash and I expected a fierce encounter and, unfortunately, we gave up a soft goal,” he said. “The players played to the game plan but failed to execute. I thought we could catch them on the counter but I am still proud of their effort.”

Amal Knight was big for UWI FC as he rescued his team on no fewer than four occasions when the speedy MBU team got past a flat-looking defence.

Knight’s first save came in the third minute when he blocked Dwayne Ambusley two feet from the line after a swift combination left the defenders stranded — the goalkeeper went low and used his body to block the shot from close distance.

Cory Hylton came close to opening the scoring in the 16th minute when he got behind the defence, but Knight was off his line to block the shot for a corner.

UWI FC had their first effort at goal in the 21st minute, but Jacomeno Barrett showed off some nimble feet to reverse his direction, sticking out his right glove and swatting a looping shot over the bar for a corner.

John Barrett stooped at UWI FC’s near left post in the 33rd minute to steer a ball between Knight and the post into the net after the UWI FC defence failed to get a corner away decisively.

Dino Williams got a chance to double the score two minutes later after a brilliant move from Allan Ottey on the left, skipping past two lunging tackles and serving up the ball at the unprotected near post. The ball, however, eluded Williams and the UWI FC defence.

MBU dominated the second 45 minutes and, despite creating several chances, failed to capitalise as Knight proved equal to everything they threw at him.

Barrett in the MBU goal was called on to make a good save late in the game when he went to his right to block a free kick for a corner kick.

Teams: Montego Bay United — Jacomeno Barrett, Ladale Richie, Kavon Lambert, Zvezdan Dordilovic, Cory Hytlon (Jermaine Wozencroft 60th), John Barrett, Keniel Kirlew (Ronaldo Rodney 71st), Donovan Carey, Dwayne Ambusley, Allan Ottey, Dino Williams (Johann Weatherly 83rd)

Subs not used: David Swaby, Orlando McBayne, Jason Watson, Jason McLean

Booked: Dordilovic (68th)

UWI FC — Amal Knight, Taniel McKenzie, Jamie Robinson, Anthony Greenland (Akeem Themstead 63rd), Kemar Flemming, Davion Garrison, Ramoun Reid, Deighton Stuart (Mitch Wright 75th), Dwayne Smith (Kemar Cummings 67th), Jerondy Henry, Keammar Daley

Subs not used: Nickolas King, Kemoy Atkinson,

Booked: Reid (45th)

Referee: Karl Tyrell

Assistant Referees: Lloyd Edwards, Jermaine Yeesingh

Fourth Official: Weston Costley

Match Commissioner: Linell McLean