By Daraine Luton, Staff Reporter
Waterhouse's Roberto Fletcher (centre) celebrates with teammates Damion Williams (left) and captain Irvino English after scoring the first goal during Premier League action at Constant Spring yesterday. Waterhouse won 2-1. - Michael Sloley /Freelance Photographer
IT WILL be down to the wire in the final game of the Wray and Nephew National Premier League football as three teams are locked on 22 points going into Sunday's game.
Hazard United lost their last two home matches, their second in 20 games, Waterhouse, or the 'Firehouse as they are called recorded their second consecutive win on the road, coming out 2-1 victors over Constant Spring.
Roen Nelson got his 21st goal of the season in a losing effort as Hazard went down 2-1 to Village United for whom Teofore Bennett and Jermaine Anderson netted.
Harbour View increased their chances by whipping hosts Wadadah 3-1. Fabian Taylor, Daniel Shaw and Nicholas McCreath got the goals for the 'Stars of the East', whilst Devon Ricketts netted for the lowly-placed Wadadah.
Seba United, who have a game in hand, kept themselves in the frame after earning a 1-1 draw with Arnett Gardens at the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex. Howard Reid opened the scoring for Seba in the 20th minute while Jonothan Williams equalised in the 51st minute. Seba now have 18 points and with two games to play can finish with a maximum 24.
Cellar dwellers Bull Bay held on to a 1-1 draw with Tivoli. Christopher Wright and Christopher Nicholas got the respective goals.
At Constant Spring, Strikes from Roberto 'Haiti' Fletcher (29th minute) and Andre Hickling (44th minute) were enough to fend off the challenge of the home team for whom Shawn Hunter replied in the 78th minute.
Waterhouse's win increased their second round tally 22 points, the same as Hazard and Harbour View. This makes the rush for the end of second round final even more interesting with just one set of matches remaining.
It was the visiting team that mounted most of the attacks in the first half. Tafari O'Connor, who had a horrible first 10 minutes controlling and passing the ball, created a glorious chance for his team to take the lead. In the 14th minute, He raced down the right flank and provided a cross into the box with which the onrushing Fletcher failed to make contact as he attempted a volley.
Waterhouse continued to apply the pressure and were rewarded in the 29th minute when Fletcher capitalised from a quick free-kick.
When Demar Phillips was fouled by Fabian Watkins, the alert Vincent Earl, seeing that the defenders flat-footed and paying little attention, played short to Irvino English who picked out the unmarked Fletcher who headed into the back of the net.
Constant Spring were forced to make an early substitution, pulling out the injured Dave Clarke who was in his second game since leaving Tivoli.
Things went no better for the Danny Lyn team as in the 44th minute, Andre Hickling converted his first goal in two seasons, driving a ferocious right-footer into the rat-hole of Kirk Williams' goal.
Though Constant Spring lifted their game in the second half, things went pretty much the same for Waterhouse as the tireless Fletcher hit the metal work between the upright and the crossbar in the 49th minute.
In the 69th minute, Constant Spring's woes were deepened when former national player Dean Sewell had to be replaced after aggravating a thigh injury.
Constant Spring tried to save face in front of their home crowd. Gregory Hall, Waterhouse's goalkeeper was called upon to effect a brilliant save in the 77th minute after the combination of Hunter and Sheldon Wedderburn. The latter's shot was tipped over the bar for a corner.
That same combination provided Constant Spring's consolation as Wedderburn's corner was headed home by Hunter.
