Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter
Rivoli's Omar Parker tackles Wadadah's Jermaine Anderson in their Wray and Nephew Premier League clash at the Spanish Town Prison Oval yesterday. The game ended in a 2-2 draw. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
RIVOLI AND Wadadah battled to a 2-2 stalemate in their Wray and Nephew National Premier League clash at the Spanish Town Prison Oval yesterday.
In a game which lacked aesthetic appeal, Rivoli looked the better team but were short on creativity early.
This took a turn for the better in the 37th minute when Devon Hodges flicked a lovely one-time through ball on to Derrick Planter who burst through and tucked the ball into the corner of the net, leaving goalkeeper Gavine Barrett with no chance.
Wadadah were in no mood to be run over and a stylish pass to the penalty area by Jermaine Anderson eventually led to Dillian Thelwell being bundled to the floor. Referee Kevin Morrison immediately pointed to the spot.
Anderson was given the responsibility of bringing Wadadah level and did so with a well-taken penalty in the 47th minute.
Rivoli got off to a flying start in the second half when a Planter corner was pounced upon by Sean Coleman, who dove to head past a beaten Barrett to restore Rivoli's lead in the 51th minute.
Wadadah however played determined football and showed great resilience. Their fighting spirit was rewarded in the 80th minute when the much-involved Anderson played a well-weighted through ball to Rohan Reid, who ran in to accurately place the ball past goalkeeper Moschell Nelson to pull the scores level.
