Newly promoted Marverley/Hughenden FC was on their way to a second victory in as many games in the Red Stripe Premier League, before a sizzling strike from Portmore United’s Stephen Williams spoiled the party for the newcomers as the teams drew 1-1 at the Constant Spring Field on Sunday.
Marverley was the first to settle in the contest, riding on the waves of euphoria from last week’s shock 2-1 win over defending champion Montego Bay United. They played with a lot of confidence, controlling the tempo of the game and moved the ball around nicely. For the first 15 minutes, Portmore United was taken to school and was unable to get inside the Marverley box to threaten goalkeeper Damion Campbell.
In the 10th minute, former Tivoli Gardens man Rodico Wellington weaved his way past a host of Portmore United players before he unleashed a rocket. The shot was however dealt with comfortably by custodian Kemar Foster. Marverley continued to dominate the early proceedings, but was unable to make Portmore United pay due to some poor efforts in front of goal.
Portmore slowly got into the game and could have gone ahead if Suela McCalla didn’t leave his scoring boots at home. He broke inside Marverley’s box and popped a cracker, but his effort went high and wide. Mayhem ensued on the right flank as Wellington continued to have the time of his life. As a result of efforts to contain him, Damion Binns was booked in the 23rd minute, for continuous infringements on Wellington.
Wayne Williams in the 25th minute was surprised to find himself unmarked in the box with a gapping goal from a flick on from a long throw by Andrew Peddlar. However, his effort to put the home team ahead skimmed the crossbar and went behind for a goal kick. A depleted Portmore United, with quite a few players out due to lack of fitness, injury or professional contracts overseas, was not short on opportunities in the contest. Gloomy, overcast conditions mirrored Suelae McCalla’s dismal efforts in front of goal.
In the 35th minute McCalla was played in expertly with the chest by Stephen Williams and found himself one and one with the goalkeeper. He tried to lob the custodian, but an outstretched lanky Campbell, was equal to the task. Two minutes later, the same combination of Williams and McCalla created some space behind the red defensive wall of Marverley, but they again failed to find the mark.
The first half ended 0-0, in an evenly contested battle which saw both teams getting at at-least three clear goal scoring opportunities.
Marverley was again, first out of the starting blocks in the second half and this time they were rewarded for their efforts. Arguably Marverley’s man of the match, Raymond Williamson, decided to have a shot from 30 yards in the 56th minute. His shot skidded of the moist surface and ricochet off the chest of Kemar Foster who tried to correct his error, but in doing so brought down goal poacher Omari Edwards,.
After a long consultation with his assistant, the referee awarded a penalty. Wellington calmly placed the ball to the left of the keeper for a one-nil lead.
Coach Linval Dixon shuffled his deck and made changes to inject some life into his Portmore team. In the 71st minute a teasing cross by Mark Alves found the less than impressive McCalla whose shot hit the crossbar after beating the goalkeeper comprehensively. The ball came back into play and substitute Tramaine Stewart hit it on the volley, but his shot was cleared off the line miraculously by Nackwayne Parchment.
Portmore kept pressing for that equalizer, while coach Lijsu Simms brought on Moraise Sommers and Roberto Fletcher to sure up things for the home team. This however back fired at Simms as Sommers didn’t not offer much, his tackling, marking and first touch was atrocious. This played well for Portmore, captain Ewan Grandson and Tramaine Stewart who caressed the football with alacrity, much to the delight of the travelling supporters. As they rallied behind their team, the fans were rewarded in the 69th minute when Stephen Williams decided to have a go after controlling a poorly cleared kick from Marverley’s defence. His ferocious shot went through the legs of both captain Andrew Peddlar and goalkeeper Damiaon Campbell to nestle in the back of the net. A well deserved equalizer allowed Portmore to grab a share of the points.
Despite being held to a draw Marverley sits on top of the pile with 4 points, while Portmore who also have four points are in third based on goal difference.
Liju Simms was grateful for the point despite giving up the lead. “We came here with a plan to defeat both finalist from last year. It didn’t happen but we are grateful for the point. The changes made didn’t provide what we wanted but we are satisfied. It’s just for us to go back to the training ground and prepare for our next game.”
Coach Linval ‘Ruddy’ Dixon was left bemused by some of the decisions made by the officials. “A harsh decision after 5 minutes of play and a decision influenced by a fourth official, this seems to be a new rule. All in all the players dug deep, they followed instructions and to get at least a point away is always a bonus. The changes made, gave us what we wanted and we could have won the game.”
Marverley will next travel to UWI while Portmore will host Tivoli Gardens next Sunday.
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