Opening day win delights Duckie

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Waterhouse coach, Donovan Duckie, said he liked what he saw after his charges carved out a 3-2 win over promoted Highgate United in the opening round of the National Premier League at the Drewsland Stadium yesterday.

The home team, who finished fourth in the league last season, came away with all three points after wily midfielder Damion Williams netted in time added on, much to the delight of his team's supporters, and the anguish of the visitors.

"It was a hard-fought game and I was proud of the way my team showed character and stuck it out until the end," said Duckie.

"We are not where we want to be in terms of fitness, and this affected the Barcelona-type free-flowing style of play that I would like to see the team play.

"But all in all, to score three goals in a game is always good, and I look forward to this team getting fit, as when we do we should be a joy to watch," he added.

The victory, which was secured in the fourth minute of extra time, came after Williams was left unmarked inside the penalty area as a result of a floated free kick from outstanding left-flank defender, Andrae Campbell.

Realising the position that he was in, Williams then picked his spot and fired home past the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Leighton Murray.

Waterhouse had earlier taken 1-0 and 2-1 leads courtesy of goals from midfielder Carlos Barrett and forward Jermaine 'Tuffy' Anderson in the 12th and 40th minutes, respectively.

Highgate, who throughout the encounter showed that they will be no pushovers, first pulled level in the 35th minute through forward Donovan Davis. Midfielder Richard Orrett netted from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute.

"It was an evenly contested match that could have gone either way," said Highgate assistant coach, Michael Slim.

"It's a match that was used to see what the pace is like in the league, and based on the run of play it shows that we are capable of matching up," he added.