Thomas scores late to lift Dunbeholden
Published:Tuesday | January 24, 2023 | 1:38 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer -
De Andre Thomas of Dunbeholden broke Vere United's hearts five minutes from time in their Jamaica Premier League (JPL) game on Monday night at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.
The Harold Thomas-coached team had to overcome a sub-par first half, by their standards, and a well-organised Vere defence in the second period.
However, the Vere team, which had not conceded a goal in their three previous games, eventually blundered in defence and Thomas was well placed to make them pay
"First half we were rushing the play a bit," Dunbeholden's assistant coach Jermaine Thomas explained. "The passes weren't connecting and our combinations weren't working.
"Second half we were much better and got more players in their box."
After three straight wins, Thomas said the St Catherine side is on a high.
"When you win it does a lot for your confidence. We beat Montego Bay 2-0, Arnett Gardens 4-2 and tonight and in a tough game against Vere, we got three points again, so this is going to do us a world of good," he added.
However, Vere had their fair share of chances, especially in the first half but failed to take advantage.
After the break, Stephen Williams had the best chance to open the scoring for Dunbeholden but he miskicked from four yards and allowed goalkeeper Fitzroy Cummings to recover and avert the danger.
Kayon Henry then came close for Vere with a low shot across the face of the goal that went just wide.
Dunbeholden continued to have the better of their opponents and only a fine double save from Cummings kept Fabian McCarthy and Zackiya Wilks at bay.
However, Vere's resistance eventually broke in the 85th minute when Thomas capitalised on a poor clearance to turn home from close range.
"Naturally, I would be disappointed because defensively we have been doing well over the course of the season. It has been a while since we have conceded a but today (Monday) we lost concentration and gave up one," Vere coach Linval Dixon commented.
"We have been playing well and we just need to score for the confidence to come into the team."
The win takes Dunbeholden two places up the table to fifth on 18 points. Vere stayed second from bottom with seven points.