Nigerian striker stars for Molynes in 2-2 draw

Nigerian striker Wisdom Ubani came off the bench to score two second-half goals to earn Molynes United a 2-2 draw with Spanish Town Police in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) at the Waterhouse Mini Stadium on Sunday.

Goals from Jordan Elleston (33rd) and Diamond Clarke (42nd) gave Spanish Town Police a 2-0 lead at the break, but Ubani scored in the 59th and 75th minutes to earn a point for Molynes.

The 22-year-old Ubani, who has played professionally in Croatia and his home country, joined Molynes at the start of this season, and although he has taken his time to get acclimatised to the league, he believes he has found his footing.

Ubani’s first goal, a sweetly struck volley, is a contender for goal of the season.

“This is my first goal. This is like normal for me because these are the types of goals I score,” he said post match.

“I am adapting to the league. For my first few games I tried to take my time and get my fitness up, and as you see, now I am improving and gelling with the team.”

Molynes are 12th in the standings on five points, and Ubani said they must improve.

“We need to improve because we are not in a good position in the table. So we need to do better in the next games.”

It was even between the teams early in the first half before Ryeim Gayle had a good chance for Spanish Town Police but could not get his shot off in a melee just outside the six yards area.

However, Police won back possession just outside Molynes box and when a cross was whipped back into the area, Elleston was waiting at the far post to volley home.

Devone Davis had a great chance for an equaliser five minutes before half-time, but an excellent block from Tajae Harris prevented what seemed like a sure goal.

However, just before break, Diamond Clarke broke away and although his initial effort was saved by Darren Donaie in goal, the rebound came back to the winger, who slotted home to make it 2-0.

Molynes took the initiative after the break and 14 minutes into the half, Ubani broke away down the right and hit a precise volley past Samuels, to cut the deficit.

A few minutes later, Ronaldo Barrett latched on to a cross at the back post and cut the ball back across to Ubani in the centre for the Nigerian to tap home.

Pennicooke then had a glorious opportunity to put Molynes in front, after rounding Samuels but he kicked straight to the goalkeeper, who was on the ground and at his mercy.

Clarke came inches from giving Police back the lead five minutes from the end, but his shot hit the post and rebounded into play, after a sweet pass from Elleston.

Police assistant coach William Spencer was left disappointed with the outcome.

“It was a game of two halves. We played very well in the first half. We were in the ascendancy. Then half-time came, and then complacency,” he said

“We thought we could have kept a clean sheet in the second half, but we scored two in the first and they scored two in the second stanza, and we shared the points. Not too pleased with the result, but happy with the point nevertheless,” he said.

Yesterday’s results

Chapelton 1-2 Montego Bay

Portmore 0-0 Racing

Spanish Town Police 2-2 Molynes

Tivoli 0-2 Cavalier

Waterhouse 1-1 Mount Pleasant

Today’s games

5 p.m: Harbour View vs Dunbeholden

7:30 p.m: Arnett Gardens vs Treasure Beach