Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer
Vincent Earle. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
FORMER WRAY and Nephew National Premier League champions Waterhouse continued their revival on Sunday night with a 1-0 win over newly-promoted Seba United at Jarrett Park.
Playing in the second game of the double header in what turned out to be a battle of the cities, Waterhouse were desperate to not suffer the fate of last season's beaten finalists, Tivoli Gardens, who were shocked 1-3 by the previously winless Wadadah.
They owed their win to Vincent Earle, who struck in the 49th minute to earn his team their second consecutive win and lifted them to six points.
"I think they played very well because the first half we had the better of play and that was the plan today, because Seba were coming back into the league and they would be a bit tentative," a relaxed coach Calvert Fitzgerald said at the end of the game.
"We are behind so we definitely came here to get three points. Seba moved and passed the ball well so we wanted to get that element out of the game so whenever they were in possession we pressed them," he added, explaining their approach to the game.
UNLUCKY
Seba's Paul 'Tegat' Davis felt that his team was just unlucky not to take their chances.
"I would not say I am disappointed. They played a good game but we did not take our chances.
"Football is football. You win some and you lose some but I think we played well but did not take our chances. It was an evenly contested game so they gave a good account of themselves," he added.
In a competitive and physical first half in which a number of yellow cards were issued, Waterhouse looked better initially with Kevin Lamey and Shane Edwards looking sharp up front. Earle in particular and his midfield partners also looked good.
Waterhouse created the first opportunity in the 29th minute when after a good run by Demar Phillips down the left flank, he sent a good cross in but an uncommitted Weston Forrest was just short.
Seba were giving almost as much as they were getting but a minute before half time, Waterhouse went close again when a good combination between Lamey and Earle ended with Earle evading goalkeeper Alrick Henry but shot into the side netting from an acute angle.
EXCITEMENT
Second half action was much faster and got the spectators in the packed Jarrett Park more excited. As it was in the first, Waterhouse were quicker out of the blocks.
After an exchange of missed opportunities by Kemar James of Seba and Forrest of Waterhouse, Earle stepped up to show them how goals are scored.
The gifted passer who is a little bit challenged in the speed department had a good combination with Phillips whose final pass found Earle in the 18-yard box. The little man's shot kissed the roof of the net and sent his supporters wild. That goal could not have been more timely as the Waterhouse forwards were fading.
Seba stormed back in the middle and the latter part of the half and the trio of substitutes Norman Foster, Kevin Mighty and Andrew Morrison - the clubs most penetrative players - spurred them on.
Foster, the veteran, had McCallum beaten by a lovely free kick in the 82nd minute to follow up on a dangerous move by the overlapping wing back and Mighty, who had efforts on goal blocked. Four minutes later, a delightful cross from Mighty after good work down the left flank, was feebly headed on goal by James.
Morrison could have earned Seba a point in the 90th minute when under close attention from two defenders, he outjumped them to smack a header onto the crossbar as the fans let off a chorus of painful groans.
SCOREBOARD
WATERHOUSE 1 - Vincent Earle 49th
SEBA UNITED 0
