In the wake of Phoenix Chapelton Maroons snapping a three-game losing skid, Head Coach Donovan Duckie believes it could be the start of a strong push up the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League football table.

The Clarendon-based club held hosts Molynes United to a goalless draw at Constant Spring football field on Sunday.

Phoenix Chapelton’s Juan Ramirez was the busier goalkeeper on the day but managed to keep a clean sheet. They also ended the game with 10 men as midfielder Carlton Brown was shown a red card in the 88th minute.

Prior to the game, Phoenix Chapelton had suffered consecutive defeats to Waterhouse, Montego Bay United and Mount Pleasant Football Academy. They had previously gone unbeaten from five, which included four wins.

Duckie is now confident that the team can revive their play-off push as they sit in ninth on 26 points, just three points off a top six spot.

“Sometimes you have to cancel a game and stop that loss. We’re sharp, not looking bad so now I think we have created a platform again to look for a good opportunity to get a good run,” he said.

“It’s very important all the time to keep the scoreboard ticking especially when the points in the mid-table are close plus it also helps to build back your confidence.”

They were active in the January window with several signings including Denzel McKenzie who rejoined the Phoenix setup after a brief stint with defending champions Cavalier FC.

Duckie, though, doesn’t expect any problems with acclimatisation.

“The players that we have brought in, they’re not really new, per se. They have been [with] Phoenix before and they are just making their return,” he said.

“Somewhere or the other, they have crossed paths [with] Craig Butler at Phoenix Academy in terms of their development so what is important now is for them to get match fitness and then gel with the guys who are here.”

Molynes are winless in their last four outings but have only lost twice in their last 12 games.

They’re 10th on 23 points, six points off a play-off spot and assistant coach Xavian Virgo says the team will be more competitive in the weeks to come.

“We work on not conceding goals — defensive strategies that help us to reduce the amount of goals scored on us and we apply pressure to our opponents so they make mistakes,” he said.

“So it’s just [about] taking it] one game at a time. We’re going to work hard and see how best we can get three points.”

SUNDAY’S RESULTS

Molynes 0, Phoenix Chapelton 0

Treasure Beach 0, Mount Pleasant 0

Tivoli Gardens 0, Arnett Gardens 2

Harbour View 1, Portmore 2

Dunbeholden 1, Waterhouse 2

Racing 1, Montego Bay 1

VIRGO… we apply pressure to our opponents so they make mistakes Photo: Observer file