Hyde credits Harbour View players after victory in ongoing battle to avoid relegation

With Harbour View FC taking the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League relegation battle to the final day, Head Coach Lenny “Teacha” Hyde says his team’s desire was critical as they held off Molynes United 1-0 on Sunday at the Constant Spring football field.

A draw or a loss would have seen the Stars of the East demoted from the top flight for the first time in their history and would have also confirmed Molynes’ safety.

However, Garth Stewart’s header in the 67th minute ensured that Harbour View would continue their survival bid.

Hyde believes the team deserves credit for their strong mentality.

“I spoke to the players earlier about the situation that we are in. We put ourselves where we are now, so we have to try and take us out of this situation and I think they did well today. They fought gallantly right throughout game,” Hyde said.

The one-goal margin was disappointing for Molynes Head Coach Jermaine Thomas who says his team didn’t show up offensively.

“It’s definitely a tough one. It’s one of those games you do not want to lose, but if you’re not going to score easy, simple chances, then it’s hard to put your hat in the ring,” he said.

“You’re at home today and you saw how we played, especially in the first half. We created some good opportunities, clear opportunities.

We missed from inside the six-yard box. When you miss goals like those, sometimes football can be really, really dreadful and you sometimes pay for it.”

Both teams are now locked on 39 points but Molynes in 12th have a plus-15 advantage on goal difference over Harbour View, meaning destiny remains in their hands.

With 11th place Treasure Beach securing safety with a 2-0 against Montego Bay United on Sunday pushing them to 43 points, it means Molynes and Harbour View will battle to stay up on Wednesday.

Molynes are to play away to Treasure Beach while Harbour View will visit Cavalier.

Both Hyde and Thomas say the players know what’s at stake.

“We live to fight another day again, another tough game on Wednesday. We only have two days to prepare for it so we just have to go and deal with it with the best of our ability,” said Hyde.

Thomas said: “Football is a tough business and if you’re in it, it means you have to be tough. Before this, we have been good, we have been playing well, so it comes down to us in terms of how we get them back together as quick as possible. We have to really get it together and come again.”

SUNDAY’S RESULTS

•Molynes 0, Harbour View 1

•Montego Bay 0, Treasure Beach 2

•Tivoli Gardens 0, Cavalier 2

•Dunbeholden 0, Mount Pleasant 5

•Waterhouse 3, Phoenix Chapelton 0

•Arnett Gardens 6, Spanish Town Police 0

•Racing 1, Portmore 1

Kimani Reece (left) of Harbour View challenges Rashawn Livingston of Molynes United during the Jamaica Premier League football match at the Constant Spring football field.