Waterhouse FC scored a workmanlike 2-0 win over The University of the West Indies (UWI) at Mona Bowl and provisionally jumped five places into third on 18 points at press time yesterday.

Denardo Thomas and Tramaine Stewart scored in the 58th and 85th minutes, respectively, propelling Waterhouse to just their fourth win of the season from 12 games.

However, Waterhouse could be surpassed by both Arnett Gardens (18) and Tivoli Gardens (17) who were involved in late kick-offs yesterday.

Meanwhile, it was UWI’s third-consecutive loss they slipped two places to sixth spot with 17 points following another tepid display in front of their home fans.

They conceded the first goal in controversial fashion as goalkeeper Amal Knight thought he had made two brilliant saves from close range. But eagle-eyed assistant referee Ricton Archer signalled that the ball had crossed the goal line on his second attempt.

Knight sprinted towards Archer in protestation, but his protests were ignored as referee Odette Hamilton upheld her assistant’s decision and awarded the goal.

UWI’s Ryan Miller, who replaced Dawyne Smith in the 46th minute, missed a glorious chance to pull UWI level in the 84th minute, kicking high after combining well with Fabion McCarthy.

Then Waterhouse made them pay as a minute later Stewart latched onto a long ball, saw his lobbed effort blocked by goalkeeper Knight before slotting home the rebound in minute 85.

It was a very good win for Waterhouse and their second over UWI following their 1-0 win in a rescheduled match on Thursday, November 15.

Waterhouse Head Coach Marcel Gayle, who left UWI at the start of this season, had mixed reaction on his return to the Bowl.

“It was always emotional; my heart was pumping through my chest,” said Gayle on his return to his old stomping ground.

“We had a clean sheet today and three points is a bonus on the road and we are grateful and thankful for that,” he added.

“From minute one we were dominant and it was a matter of time before we scored today.”

For UWI Coach Andrew Peart, his heartbreaking run of losses continued following the Champions Cup final defeat to Cornwall College in schoolboy football competition on Saturday with Jamaica College. Only last week he was kicked out of the Manning Cup by St George’s College at the semi-final stage to end their five-year reign.

“I thought we never managed to keep possession of the ball and had too many turnovers in the midfield, and the second balls also posed a problem and by chasing an equaliser we conceded a late second goal. So overall, it was a bad performance from us and I have to take responsibility for that and move on to the next game,” said Peart.

Meanwhile, champions Portmore United defeated FC Reno 4-3 coming from two goals down in a seven-goal thriller at Spanish Town Prison Oval.

Thorn Simpson and Renario Downswell had given FC Reno a two-goal cushion, scoring in the 11th and 23rd minutes, respectively. But Javon East netted twice for Portmore in the 44th and 54th minutes to pull them level before Ricardo Morris and Rondee Smith increased their advantage in the 56th and 73rd minutes. Javier Brown then reduced the deficit for FC Reno in minute 88.

It was Portmore United’s third-consecutive win and seventh from 12 games, which enabled them to stay top of the league with 24 points — four clear of the inactive Mount Pleasant Football Academy on 20 points. FC Reno, who were losing their third game in four matches, stayed in ninth on 11 points.

At the Royal Lakes Complex in St Catherine, home team Dunbeholden and Humble Lion battled to a 1-1 draw. Dunbeholden’s Shevan James had scored an own goal in the 26th minute before Gavin Roberts earned a share of points by scoring in the 54th minute.

Humble Lion are up to fifth on 17 points, while Dunbeholden remained at the bottom with eight points.

Teams: UWI — Amal Knight, Taniel McKenzie, Dravian Williams, Javoy Belnavis (Michael Heaven 66th), Kemar Flemmings, Kemoy Atkinson (Andrae Bernal 81st), Rochane Smith, Dawyne Smith (Ryan Miller 46th), Fabian McCarthy, Patrick Brown, Anthony Greenland

Subs not used: George Brown, Trey Bennett, Tejuarn Williams, Jerondy Henry

Booked: McKenzie (36th), Atkinson (71st)

Waterhouse — Akeem Chambers, Keithy Simpson, Carlos Wright, Shaun Dewar, Mark Miller, Denardo Thomas, Kaemmar Daley (Damion Binns 87th), Rafeik Thomas (Andre Leslie, 66th), Kymani Campbell, Kenroy Howell, Tramaine Stewart (Stephen Williams 90th)

Subs not used: Zemoiy Nash, Oshane Roberts, Ricardo Samuels, Ricardo Thomas

Booked: None

Referee: Odette Hamilton

Assistant referees: Jassett Kerr, Richton Archer

Fourth official: Kasa Plummer

Match commissary: James Pearson