The 2-2 score line is not what the defending Champions would have wanted for the first game in the new season but had to be satisfied with a share of the points, as two defensive lapses caused the visitors to snatch the lead, not just once but twice.
Good enough to recover the two errors, they would sooner forget and had enough quality players and tactics to make amends on either side of the half.
Falling behind from a series of blunders, initiated by goalkeeper, Leon Goffe hurrying outside his penalty area to obstruct the advancing forward before fortunately accepting a caution only from the referee, Dave Martin.
The resulting free-kick was misjudged by Goffe and deflected onto the crossbar, as it rebounded into the path of Captain, Montrose Phinn whose attempted header over the bar only hit the crossbar and again deflected back into play being bundled across the line by attacker, Teleton Bowen in the 31st minute., Village United 1 HVFC 0.
A minute later the Champions would strike back, as an attacking foray waltzed into the penalty area with passes coupling before midfielder, Kemar Lawrence’s shot was blocked as Romario Campbell followed through to drive home the equalizer into the net as goalkeeper Kemar Llewelyn spilled the shot from his grasp.
Tempers boiling as the physical aspects started raring its ugly head, this saw Ricardo Hamilton being ejected from the game as he kicked Kimarllee Brissett in the head while he laid on the sideline, injured.
HALFTIME :1-1.
Village United now with 10 men continued to put up resistance adding fierce tackles to their routine as the Yellow Cards, flashed regularly as the referees took charge.
Another defensive lapse produces another goal as the nippy midfielder, Devroy Leslie sneaked in between defenders to guide the pass away from the advancing goalkeeper Goffe to restore their second lead, but again they were not capable of holding off the attacking Champions.
In minute 82, a hand-ball infringement lead to Jaron Richards, slotting home the resultant Penalty and snatch the equalizer.
On Friday, the defending Champions travel to Meadhaven United at Constant Spring.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Sporting Central 2 Reno 1
- Arnett Gardens 2 Boy’s Town 1
- Meadhaven United 1 Tivoli Gardens 0
- Portmore United 5 Rivoli 1
- St. Georges SC 1 Waterhouse 1