While a 1-0 win over Cavalier FC was critical in consolidating Waterhouse’s play-off position in the Jamaica Premier League, Assistant Coach Damion Gordon is by no means jumping the gun as he believes his players still have much to do if they are to remain in title contention.

For Gordon, who has been at the helm for the last few matches in the absence of Head Coach Marcel Gayle’s, the team requires more consistency and efficiency, particularly in the final third. The shortcomings were evident during Sunday’s contest in which Denardo Thomas’s 19th minute strike proved the difference in a lively encounter at the Waterhouse mini stadium in Drewsland.

Still, he welcomed the win, which propelled Waterhouse to fifth place on 40 points, same as sixth-placed Humble Lion, but with a slightly better goal difference.

“We have consolidated for now, but at the same time we still have a lot of work to do; we have two games to go and so we have to remain humble and continue to work hard,” Gordon told journalists during a post-game interview.

It was cagey start by both teams before Cavalier eventually fired the first warning shot in the 15th minute courtesy of Jeovanni Laing’s firm header that just sailed over the crossbar.

Waterhouse’s response, four minutes later, was swift and effective as Andre Fletcher’s delightful cross from the left side was well met by Thomas, whose initial header was kept out by a diving Vino Barclett. However, the goalkeeper had no chance keeping out Thomas’s follow-up from close range.

From there the host pressed the ascendancy and should have doubled the lead in the 32nd, but Shaqueil Bradford, who had space and time inside the danger area, somehow dragged a right-footed effort wide.

They had an opportunity to make amends 10 minutes later when Fletcher’s shot was blocked by defender Kyle Ming. The rebound sat up nicely for Kenroy Howell, whose stinging right-footer on the volley was well-saved by Barclett diving to his left to ensure it remained 1-0 at the break.

The momentum stuck with Waterhouse on the resumption as they signalled intentions five minutes in when another teasing cross by Fletcher bounced ominously in the danger area before Barclett left his line to collect and avert any further danger.

It was end-to-end action from there with both teams giving as good as they got in the attacking third. Waterhouse, in particular, could have won by a wider margin had it not been for a combination of faulty shooting, poor decision-making, and some tidy glove work from Barclett.

Cavalier could also rue wayward shooting and some resolute defending from Waterhouse, at times, for their undoing.

Gordon was mindful of that fact, but lauded his players for showing that much fight when it mattered most.

“It was a very difficult game, but it was a very necessary victory. The team was very compact, also we got a lot of chances and should have buried the game early. I think its full time we benefit from all those opportunities we have been getting, but we will take this one any day,” he said.

Cavalier Technical Director Rudolph Speid was unhappy his team couldn’t take something from the game. As such, they slipped to second on 46 points, three behind Arnett Gardens, who regained pole position following a 2-0 win over Faukland to confirm their fate as being relegated alongside fellow newcomers Chapelton Maroons.

“I am disappointed, but I think Waterhouse wanted it more than us. They got the goal and they just defended valiantly to the end,” Speid noted.

Earlier, Molynes United edged Tivoli Gardens 4-3 in a wide open affair which could have gone either way.

Former national youth striker Jason Wright continued his rich vein of form with a hat-trick which started from the penalty spot in the 18th minute, the others coming in the 50th and 77th minutes. Nicholas Nelson (38th) got the other that pushed the ninth-placed team to 30 points.

The hapless Tivoli Gardens, who were suffering a fifth-straight defeat, got their goals from Rodico Wellington (28th and 34th), both from the penalty spot, while Alton Lewis (67th) got the third. They remain 11th on 19 points.

SUNDAY’S RESULTS

Arnett Gardens 2, Faukland 0

Molynes United 4, Tivoli Gardens 3

Waterhouse FC 1, Cavalier 0

Portmore United 1, Humble Lion 1

Harbour View 1, Montego Bay United 0