While admitting that it wasn’t their most telling performance, Molynes United Head Coach Alex Thomas celebrated his team’s unattractive 1-0 win over Vere United, which he hopes will serve as the start of a consistent run up the table.

Rashawn Livingston’s 83rd-minute strike proved the difference between the two teams in a lacklustre curtain-raiser at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex yesterday.

Both teams ended with 10 players after Molynes United’s Jeremy Nelson and Javier Brown of Vere were both dismissed by visiting Trinidad and Tobago referee Crystal Sobers.

Nelson, who was a second-half substitute, was shown a straight red for violent conduct, while Brown, who was earlier cautioned in the 19th minute, picked up a second yellow for reckless challenge.

Still, Thomas welcomed the fact that his team, which has now won two and lost two, has provisionally jumped to fifth, up from 10th.

“Yes it has been a turbulent start, but we have been working, trying to manage that and find some consistency,” Thomas told the Jamaica Observer after the game. “That is why I’m more pleased with the win today and hope it will be the start of that trend.

“It is still early days yet, but you can’t help but be happy with an ugly win. Again, it was one of our worst games so far this season, but they dug deep and took all three points, which pushes us up the table.”

It was a contest indicative of why both teams are struggling to find their footing as there was no real fluency or spark to the encounter, which had chances at a premium.

Aside from Tyrique Wilson’s 14th-minute free kick that hit the crossbar, and Jason Wright’s 20th-minute, right-footed effort that sailed wide of an empty goal, Molynes United offered very little in the attacking third.

Vere United even more so, as their best chance of the game came in the 23rd minute when Brown steered his left-footed drive just wide of the upright.

It took Livingston’s tap in from close range after he broke down left channel to put a smile on Molynes United’s face.

For Vere United’s Lynval Dixon, his team has much to do as they remain 12th on two points.