Hosts Rivoli United wasted a glorious chance to snatch all three points against 10-man Harbour View FC after a 0-0 draw between the teams in yesterday’s Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) match at Spanish Town Prison Oval.
Harbour View’s midfielder Jorginho James was given marching orders in the 28th minute of the match.
With the result, former champions Harbour View provisionally stayed fifth on 26 points, while floundering Rivoli United moved to 10th place in the 12-team table with 18 points.
In the opening exchanges of a sometimes lively, but error-strewn encounter, Harbour View’s John-Ross Edwards had a wonderful chance after a neat build-up. But the midfielder blasted wide off his left boot after being put through on goal after about 15 minutes
At the other end, Rivoli’s attacker Ross Burton saw his crisp left-footed strike force Harbour View ‘keeper Mark Bryan into a sharp save low to his right near the half-hour mark.
The hosts saw the pendulum potentially swing to their advantage in the 28th minute when James was red-carded after referee Kevin Morrison deemed he deliberately struck Rivoli’s Jeremy Nelson in the face.
But it was a New Year’s gift that Rivoli failed to grab as the half ended with Harbour View standing compact and appearing barely bothered.
The second half was a similar story as Rivoli, who have struggled for wins so far this campaign, were unable to make the numerical advantage count.
In fact, they ended the game on the back foot as Harbour View, targeting a semi-final place, looked the stronger and fitter team.
Teams
Rivoli — Marlon Henry, Kemar Bennett, Kevin Graham, Liston James, Lenworth Pine (Dellon Dixon 60th), Cory Burke, Ross Burton, Daniel Roberts (Odain Brown 74th), Raymond Williamson, Jeremy Nelson, Valentine Gardener (Kenny Lee 88th).
Subs not used: Troy Moulton, Codean Smikle, Ryan Smart, Luke Soares
Booked: Nelson (71st)
Harbour View — Mark Bryan, Fabian Grant, Rosario Harriott, Nicholas Beckett, Joel Senior (Martin Davis 69th), Mark Miller, Rojay Smith, Ranique Muir (Kevaughn Frater 69th), John-Ross Edwards, Jorginho James, Stephen Barnett (Montrose Phinn 58th).
Subs not used: Akeem Smith, Bryan English, Odaine Samuels, Claudious Blackburn
Booked: James (ejected- 28th), Frater (79th)
Referee: Kevin Morrison
Assistant referees: Princess Brown, Antonette Williams
Fourth Official: Cardella Samuels
Match commissary: Martin Lyn