Gayle disappointed in Waterhouse’s misfortune

by

May 08, 2023

Photo

Humble Lion’s Mark Rodney (left) goes aerial to prevent Waterhouse’s Andre Fletcher (right) from getting the ball during their Jamaica Premier League (JPL) football match at Waterhouse Stadium yesterday. The match drew 0-0.

Waterhouse coach Marcel Gayle insists that no action has been taken against team manager Keith Salesman for the blunder, which ultimately denied them a place in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) playoffs.

Salesman, who was visibly absent from the Waterhouse bench in their 0-0 draw against Humble Lion at the Waterhouse Stadium yesterday, is widely blamed for the fiasco, which had them losing three points for the use of an ineligible player in the win over Cavalier two match days ago.

Sunday's result means Waterhouse finished eighth in the table with 39 points, one behind Portmore in seventh and two less than Dunbeholden, who grabbed the final play-off spot in sixth.

Gayle admitted that although it was painful initially, he insists that it was a human error and that they intend to avoid these mishaps in the future.

"No (no action has been taken against Salesman)," he commented when questioned. "I am just back, and I am not in the capacity to speak on that. Nevertheless, when most things go wrong, you are going to have a reaction naturally.

"We are all disappointed, but it's a human error, so we do not want to single out or come down hard on anybody. We have to do things better next time. Waterhouse will continue. We are a brand, and we will maintain our standard of football," Gayle insisted.

Waterhouse had more and better chances than Humble Lion, who also gave a good account of themselves and could have stolen the points.

However, Gayle thought his players did their best to get the three points on the day.

"Kudos must be given to the guys. They fought and fought well. Today we didn't get the points we needed to go through, but it's one of those days," said Gayle, who returned to the touchline after a few games absence due to personal matters overseas.

Meanwhile, Humble Lion coach Andrew Price commended his players for meeting the objective of keeping their place in the top six throughout the season. He believes they have a good chance of going all the way.

"It's been a long time coming. The last time Humble Lion were in the playoffs was 2017. I must commend the players for the shift they put in the entire season under challenges.

"They stuck to the task, and we are in the playoff. Our first goal was to maintain our place in the top six for the season, and we did that, and now we are in the playoffs, we want more success," he said.

Humble Lion finished in fifth place with 42 points, two less than fourth-place Harbour View, their opponents in the quarterfinals.

Arnett Gardens topped the preliminary round with 55 points, Cavalier finished second with 52 and Mount Pleasant third with 46.

Waterhouse, who held sixth place two match days ago and looked assured of a play-off spot, but lost the three points because of the administrative blunder, slipped to eighth.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com