The first game for both promoted teams in the Red Stripe Premier League showed that there is still not much between them as they battled to a 1-1 draw on the opening day of the competition at the UWI Mona Bowl last Sunday.
The first game for both promoted teams in the Red Stripe Premier League showed that there is still not much between them as they battled to a 1-1 draw on the opening day of the competition at the UWI Mona Bowl last Sunday.
It proved to be a game of two halves as the home team dominated the first half, controlling the pace of the game for the most part. Rickcardo Harriott, Davion Alves and Jerome Wedderburn bossed the midfield while Larone Russell and Omari Edwards had plenty on joy down the left and right flanks respectively.
Former Charlie Smith schoolboy standout Kevin ‘Pele’ Wilson threatened on a couple of occasions before August Town made the breakthrough in the 25th minute. Russell collected a pass just inside the box on his right foot before shifting it to his left and calmly placing the ball into the far post outside the reach of a diving Marlon Henry in the Rivoli goal.
Rivoli could barely get out of their half and their main man Devon Hodges who was playing centre forward, could hardly get a touch on the ball. August Town led 1-0 at the break.
The second half would belong to the away team. They made a tactically adjustment at the start of the second half which worked for them. Hodges was given a deeper role in midfield where he started to influence the game much more. His good link up play with his other teammates allowed Rivoli to seize the advantage and suddenly Kemmar Bennett, Raymond Williamson and Valentine Gardener were having their own way.
Kemar Bennett drew Rivoli level in the 61st minute when he pounced on a loose ball inside the box and drove home after the August Town defense failed to clear their lines.
The August Town players were showing signs of fatigue and this led to a very bad decision by Wedderburn who brought down Gardener from behind and received his second caution for the day in the 67th minute. The home team were now down to 10 players with all of 23 minutes left to play.
The Max Straw coached August Town played sensibly, get behind the ball and saw out the clock to ensure they came away with a point. Rivoli on the other hand may see it as an opportunity lost to get a vital win at the start of the new premier league campaign.
Photo: Kevin ‘Pele’ Wilson challenges for the ball
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