Paul-Andre Walker, Staff Reporter
A LISTLESS performance by Rivoli United paved the way for Wadadah to take home a well-earned point from their 1-1 draw in Wray and Nephew National Premier League action at the Prison Oval yesterday.
"To say 'disappointed' would be putting it mildly. I am absolutely devastated by this result," remarked Rivoli head coach Bradley Stewart after watching his team having to come from behind to earn the draw.
Wadadah's Derrick Allen was the culprit behind Stewart's disappointment as his strike during time added on in the first-half left a sour taste in the mouth of a Rivoli unit that was playing almost embarrassingly poor football. Omar Parker cranked up a 56th minute strike to help the Spanish Town team regain some much needed pride.
NEVER LOOKED THREATENING
Even after getting back into the game, Rivoli never looked threatening. Truth be told though, the Rivoli starting line-up was riddled with players that weren't normally given a start and missed the likes of Errol Wilkie at central midfield. A fact that Stewart thinks shouldn't have mattered.
"As the season progresses, players that are registered, obviously, think that there is an opportunity for them to play and if you have a unit that is reasonably competitive, because you are playing one of the weaker teams, you introduce some fresher legs and if they are unable to perform it means that they are incapable of taking us to the next level," a fuming Stewart said.
Wadadah on the other hand, while failing to play good football for the full 90 minutes, had moments when they stroked the ball around sublimely. On one of those occasions a foul was needed to stop their progress and Raphael Palmer walked up and slid a ball down the right hand side for Allen whose attempted cross was fumbled into the back of the net by Rivoli goalkeeper Moschell Nelson.
Rivoli reacted well in the second half, attacking with 10 men. Wadadah finally crumbled and a good cross from Barrington Planter saw overlapping centre-half and captain Parker slamming home a well-placed volley from 23-yards.
POOR FIRST TOUCHES
The game had no other aspects of interest as far as Rivoli were concerned and as a matter of fact they were fortunate that some poor first touches by Wadadah's attackers played into their hands.
Wadadah's coach, Anthony Williams, was disappointed that he didn't take three points but happy that he competed with a quality team.
"I must say that I'm satisfied to come away with a point. I am also a little disappointed though, having led 1-0 at half-time. We didn't concentrate at the start of the second half and keep our advantage," he said.
