Ainsley Walters, Freelance Writer

August Town's Gary Brooks jumps to avoid being cut down by a sliding tackle from Norado Jenkins during their Wray and Newpher National Premier League match at UWI Bowl yesterday. Waterhouse won 3-2. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

HARBOUR VIEW coach Lenny Hyde says his team will have to catch Premier League champions Waterhouse in the second round, which they got under way with a 2-0 win over last-place Naggo Head at Ferdie Neita Park yesterday.

It was a comfortable victory for Harbour View after goals from Gregg Taylor in the 14th minute and Fabian Taylor in the 54th pushed them to 24 points, still four behind leaders Waterhouse, who edged August Town 3-2 at the UWI Bowl.

"We have to catch Waterhouse this round," said Hyde. "We can't wait until the third round," he added.

"I've been telling the players we need to keep thereabouts and when we get the lead again we have to keep it."

Hyde, who watched his team clip rivals Waterhouse 1-0 last Wednesday night in the cash-incentive First Round Final, said yesterday's win was an improved showing after the scare they received in a 3-2 victory over promoted Naggo Head when the teams met at the start of the season at Compound.

"We're more settled around the back. We haven't given up any goals in our last two games," he said.

PRAISES

He was also full of praises for strikers Greg and Fabian Taylor, but pointed out that midfielders Loxley Thomas and Lovel Palmer need to start scoring goals.

Naggo Head had their moments, but young striker Carlos Barrett and veteran winger Kirk Ramsey both hit tame shots straight at goalkeeper Michaud Barrett in one-on-one situations with the Harbour View goalie in the first half.

The homesters never got another look at Harbour View's goal as their midfield was largely ineffective with a labouring Layton Barrett way past his prime and the others, barring Fabian Malcolm, looking two classes below Premiership standard.

Wayne Fairclough, who led Waterhouse to the Premiership title last year, watched his first match in charge of Naggo Head in total silence, afterwards saying they need to learn "the basics".

"I think they're a good lot but need to understand they have to keep the ball," he commented after the match.

"They have to maintain possession and learn tactical play. They need to learn the basics," he added.

Describing the task at hand as "a challenge", Fairclough said Naggo Head was his community and his aim is to keep them in the Premiership.

He's hoping January's transfer window will bring some hope.

"I think the management has approached a couple players. "When that time comes, we will be in good stead," he said.