Maxwell on cloud nine as Georges beat Waterhouse

Gareth Davis Sr, Gleaner Writer

Buff Bay, Portland:

St Georges Sports Club's head coach, Geoffrey Maxwell, believes his craftily designed plan worked perfectly in engineering his team's 1-0 Digicel Premier League win over Waterhouse at rain-drenched Lynch Park on Wednesday night.

The lead-up to the game had the attributes of a grudge match, with Maxwell, a former coach of Waterhouse, called upon to put his professional skills on the line for St Georges, who are lying at the bottom of the league's 12-team standings.

"I knew my professional skills would be tested," Maxwell said. "I also knew that victory would depend on the kind of instructions a coach gives to his team in a match-up like this."

He added: "We were prepared, and I knew the format of the Waterhouse team and its playing style. So once the guys followed instructions, they would win. The surface was wet and slippery, therefore the skill and strategy of a coach would be brought into question."

It was a game dominated by Georges throughout the first half, and much of the second half was a similar story.

Even when Waterhouse made the odd attack, they found Georges' defence virtually impenetratable.

Right-footed shot

In the 59th minute, Georges took the lead after Holmes threw a ball from the left side near to the 18-yard box, which found the unmarked Dobson. Dobson's shot was blocked by the Waterhouse custodian, but went in the direction of Bobby Joe Huie, who fired a right-footed shot from near the six-yard box to score.

Kevin Lamey went close, equali-sing with a curling 35-yard free-kick from the left flank in the 80th minute, surprising Randall Huie in the Georges goal, though he managed to block it.

Waterhouse coach Baris Johnson commended his players for the effort, but mentioned that the slippery conditions hurt his team.

"Our game plan was basically altered," he said. "The underfoot conditions were not ideal for the team, which experienced some difficulties. It was a good game and I must commend the guys."

Johnson added: "We go into a break now, but we will be back for next year, and hopefully, we will track the leaders as close as possible. Winning the league is our only focus right now."