Waterhouse Captain Kemar Foster says his team can breathe a sigh of relief after qualifying for the play-offs of the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League.

The former champions booked their place following a 1-0 win over Harbour View at the Waterhouse Stadium on Sunday.

Javane Bryan scored the winner in the 69th minute.

Captain Foster was pleased to see his team eventually rise to the occasion.

“It’s a great feeling right now. Before it was really tense as you saw how we played. We made a lot of mistakes but right now we should have a little bit of relief now that we’re in the play-offs,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Assistant Coach Damion Gordon was also satisfied that Waterhouse got the job done.

“I thought we should have performed way better today but I know the occasion might have got the better of us. But it’s something we can work on, we’re in the play-offs and we’re grateful. Last year we didn’t make it because of some others things that I won’t speak about now but we’re in the play-offs now,” he said.

It was a nervy affair for the men from Drewsland as only a win would have guaranteed their spot in the top six.

However, they were made to sweat throughout the contest and matters were made worse when their supporters got news that fellow play-off aspirants Montego Bay United were leading Tivoli Gardens 2-0 after 50 minutes which meant the St James-based club had the advantage.

The mood seemed to spread on to the field as Waterhouse were unable to capitalise on some great chances, including from leading goalscorer Bryan who twice missed from close range before the hour mark.

However, Bryan and Waterhouse would have the last laugh as he pounced on a mistake from the Harbour View defence and slotted home to secure Waterhouse’s play-off spot.

Despite inconsistent form during the regular season, Waterhouse were able to end on a five-game unbeaten run including four-straight victories.

But Foster said his team will need to improve their performances if they are to contend for the title.

“This [regular] season wasn’t that great, it was up and down and a little bit stagnant. Now we have the opportunity, we have two weeks to work on it. We have to fix it from now, starting with the next training session,” he said.

Tivoli Gardens FC’s 1-2 loss away to Montego Bay on the day means they are scheduled to face Waterhouse over two legs in the quarter-finals, while fourth-placed Portmore United are to battle Arnett Gardens. The play-offs are set to begin on April 22.

Defending champions Mount Pleasant and last season’s beaten finalists Cavalier gained automatic byes to the semi-finals after finishing first and second, respectively, in the regular season table.

Treasure Beach and Lime Hall will return Tier Two action following their relegation from the top flight.

Waterhouse goalscorer Javane Bryan (left) gets to the ball ahead of Harbour View’s Chidalu Chukwuemeka during the Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League match at Waterhouse Stadium on Sunday. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)