As a son of the soil, veteran Coach Vassell Reynolds says he will do his very best to keep Chapelton Maroons in the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League despite the club being heavy favourites to be relegated.

Reynolds, born and raised in the Clarendon-based community, oversaw his second game as the club’s new technical director on Sunday as they drew 1-1 with Molynes United at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.

Deandre Cunningham thought his brilliantly taken free kick in the 72nd minute would have given Chapelton a much-needed victory, but his teammate Jamari Howell put the ball in their own net in the 86th minute to give Molynes a share of the points.

The result ended their five game losing streak, but their winless run was extended to 10 games, leaving them 13th on 23 points.

Although disappointed with the result, Reynolds says he’s pleased with the growth of the team in the last two weeks.

“I wasn’t impressed with the kind of work ethic that I saw when I arrived, but we spoke about it and there have been signs of improvement. Once you have a good mentality and good work ethic, the discipline and communication will fall in,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

“We saw it today. There was some level of teamwork on the pitch, but with nine league games to go, we have to get those things right as early as possible because as times goes by, the amount of games we have left is limited and we need to get it right.”

Reynolds has seen success in recent months with title-winning Kingston College and the Under-17 Reggae Boyz. However, he says he couldn’t stand by and allow the team to free fall out of the league.

“From the inception of this team, I was asked to come in and give some support, but I just didn’t find the time. Every decision they’ve made since returning to the league they would have consulted me to get my feedback, so I’ve always remained close to the club. Now they’ve found themselves in this position, I now have some time and I felt obliged to help a community team,” he said.

Despite being in the relegation zone, they’re just a point from safety. Reynolds is confident his coaching experience and love for his community will turn things around.

“I’m confident because there’s quality players in the squad and a number of players I’d have coached before, so getting myself familiar with the players wouldn’t be a big challenge, but knowing them mentally is a different thing. So that’s what I’m working on now, getting everybody on the same page and to operate as a team going forward. I’m pretty confident from what I’ve experienced and the pace at which they’re picking up what I’m trying to implement. We’ll give it our best shot and we’ll survive in this league,” Reynolds added.

SUNDAY’S RESULTS

Molynes 1, Chapelton 1

Tivoli Gardens 3, Waterhouse 2

Portmore 1, Vere Phoenix 0

Humble Lion 1, Harbour View 0

Cavalier 1, Dunbeholden 0

MONDAY’S GAME

7:45 pm — Montego Bay vs Arnett Gardens @ Montego Bay Complex