Dunbeholden end Racing’s perfect start to JPL season

Dunbeholden ended Racing United’s perfect start to the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) season, after the teams played to 0-0 draw in a physical encounter at Waterhouse Mini Stadium yesterday.

It was a derby in the true sense of the word, as from the opening whistle the two Portmore-based teams did not hold back on the challenges, with Racing coming out worse off after losing Tajay Grant, who had a concussion, and captain Markovic Brown, who complained of not feeling well, both in the first half.

However, Racing coach Anthony Patrick was happy to come away from the bruising contest with a point.

“It was a bit physical,” Patrick emphasised. “Dunbeholden didn’t allow us to play. We got hassled the whole game, from start to finish.

“For the first 10 minutes, it was very physical and Dunbeholden took charge of that (period). But for the next 35 minutes we took over the game.

“But I am pretty pleased, because we still came out of the game with a point, and based on how Dunbeholden played, it’s a good result.”

Major setback

He said losing Grant and Brown so early in the game was a major setback, and the changes didn’t impact the game the way they thought they would.

“The concussion with Tajay Grant, and our captain Markovic Brown, was huge for us, and the changes didn’t really spark us,” he added.

For much of the first half neither held the ascendancy for too long. Dunbeholden had the best chance of the half, which fell to striker Nicholas Nelson 10 minutes before the break, but he flashed his header wide of the mark.

Three minutes after the break Racing thought they had the lead when Jevoun Bascoe rifled a shot into the roof of the goal, but an offside was called on the play.

Moments later, Andrew Campbell found Javaughn Cole in the box, but he was indecisive and goalkeeper Jean-Luke Wilmott had an easy save.

Dunbeholden eventually gained their footing and both teams had their turns in attack, and in the 79th minute Bascoe volleyed wide after being played through.

Minutes later Dunbeholden’s Marlon Allen drove a shot down the middle, which goalkeeper Aaron Enill had to gather on a second attempt.

‘Made some adjustments’

Dunbeholden ended the half stronger, and had their opponents very much on the defensive, but Racing were a big threat on the counter in a frantic finish to the match.

“They had the better of us in the first half, but in the second half we made some adjustments. And I think we did well,” said Dunbeholden coach Damion Gordon.

“We got some chances but just didn’t finish them. But it’s a derby, so it was a bit more physical than quality. But I still think we were better than them over 90 minutes and it was just unlucky for us.

“The point is important for the confidence of the group and also in terms of what we want. For every game we have a target. And we are still in target range, as we try to reach our goal. So next game, we go again,” he added.

Racing stayed second with 10 points, while Dunbeholden remained in sixth on seven points.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Yesterday’s results

Cavalier 2-1 Treasure Beach

Dunbeholden 0-0 Racing

Tivoli 1-1 Molynes

Today’s games

5 p.m: Chapelton vs Spanish Town Police

7:30 p.m: Arnett Gardens vs Waterhouse