NEW Molynes United Head Coach Jermaine Thomas says their offensive game will need to improve drastically if they’re to avoid relegation from the Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League. This after the league’s bottom-placed club went down 0-1 to Tivoli Gardens FC on Sunday at Stadium East.

The first shot on target came in the 25th minute when Molynes forward Thorne Simpson forced Tivoli Gardens goalkeeper Diego Haughton into a save.

Tivoli Gardens responded with two efforts of their own, both falling to Nickalia Fuller, but Molynes goalkeeper Peter Harrison kept out both.

Molynes Captain Jason Wright got the best chance of the game with the last kick of the first half as he found himself through on goal, but his low effort was stopped by the feet of Haughton. Only 14 minutes into the second half, Wright had another great opportunity to put his team in front but his shot went wide.

They would rue those missed chances as Odean Pennycooke’s thunderous volley in the 71st minute put Tivoli ahead.

Substitute Sujae McBean almost levelled the score for Molynes in the 79th minute but his half-volley in the area forced a brilliant save from Haughton who pushed it into the woodwork. Haughton was called upon again in the 84th minute as he gathered a long-range strike from Javaughn Brown as Tivoli held on for three points.

Thomas was disappointed in his team’s lack of composure in front of goal.

“I think we were a bit too anxious; we weren’t scanning hence our position was kind of off. The chances we created were elementary chances, and if persons were a little bit more keen in terms of managing their surroundings and area we would have converted,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

However, Thomas is optimistic Molynes can put a run together as they attempt to stay in the league.

“Loads of positives, because look at our shape right through. Before this we were a bit disorganised as it relates to coming back and staying together as a unit but today we were far more compact and organised. It was also a joy to see Thorn play 90 minutes today. And I’m thinking if we can get him stronger and fitter with Jason and get their confidence, I’m thinking that — going forward — we’re going to have a good unit,” said Thomas.

Tivoli Gardens Head Coach Jerome Waite was happy with the performance, especially from deputy goalkeeper Haughton who was making his first appearance in the league in close to two years.

“It’s all good because you notice the pressure is always on [Justin] Dunn to produce but it’s good to see Pennycooke getting the job done today. He’s not one of the defenders who likely scores goals as well so it’s pretty much [the] goal he scored that made the difference,” Waite said.

“The clean sheet was excellent. Haughton, it was his first game as a result of Clarke sustaining an injury to his foot, and he was given the opportunity and he proved himself,” he added.

The win pushes Tivoli to 17 points while Molynes remain at the bottom of the league on four.

SUNDAY’S RESULTS

Montego Bay 1, Dunbeholden 2

Humble Lions 0, Arnett Gardens 2

Portmore 1, Cavalier 0

Mount Pleasant 0, Vere 2

Tivoli Gardens 1, Molynes 0