Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer
THE YOUTHFUL Reno football team showed grit and determination yesterday as they played to 1-1 draw with defending champions Portmore United at Frome.
Kevin Deerr blasted Portmore into the lead in the 19th minute before Ricardo Scott equalised in the 49th minute.
Despite being generally younger, the Reno team under the influence of a very solid sweeper Keneil Moodie, Kendre Quarrie on the left flank and Fabian Blake in midfield, the home team gave as much as they got, especially in the first half.
They could have taken the lead in the 11th minute but goalkeeper Jacomena Barrett pulled off an excellent reflex save to deny Blake from close range.
Two minutes later, Portmore's Onandi Lowe, who was an example of team play throughout the game, had a header saved by goalkeeper Duwayne Kerr.
Portmore's go-ahead goal was a beauty. It started with a risky across the field pass to Rafe Wolfe on the left flank. He move inside and passed to Jason Morrison on the edge of the 18-yard box. Morrison fed Deerr on the right and he dribbled further into the box and from an acute angle blasted past Kerr.
WAVED OFF PENALTY
Reno kept themselves in the game, but were not decisive enough in the final third. They had a good shout for penalty waved off in the 34th minute by referee Victor Stewart after Demar Stewart brought down Scott.
Two minutes later Quarrie struck the crossbar with a well-taken free-kick.
Portmore United had an opportunity to go two up in the 39th minute when Omar Dallas fouled Rafe Wolfe just outside the 18-yard box. The dangerous Lowe fired the ball into the wall.
Reno profited from that play as their counter attack led to a lovely feed from Blake to Scott who showed good strength to hold off a challenge from Tyrone Sawyers then stab the ball past the advancing Barrett into the goal to equalise.
Portmore looked more determined in the second half as Daley became more influential but that influence was not translated into goals, while Lowe continued to be a threat in the air but Moodie and company stayed close to him and Deerr.
"I think we created a few chances but we were not composed in the box. We were a little bit anxious. I think we played well overall but gave up a stupid goal," said Portmore's coach Paul Young at the end of the game.
"It was a good game coming off some problems that we were having. It was a good game especially from the defensive unit and irrespective of the situation with the problems that we are having, the players stuck to the task," a pleased Eaton Bruce of Reno said.
GOALSHEET
RENO 1
Ricardo Scott 49th
PORTMORE 1
Kevin Deerr 19th
