Daraine Luton, Freelance WriterVisiting goalkeeper Robert Levy was the star of the show at Maverly Park, St. Andrew, yesterday as home team Maverley/Hughenden played out a 1-1 draw with Police National in the KSAFA Super League.
The agile Levy saved two penalties, one in either half, and were it not for a wicked 72nd minute deflection, Police National would have left Maverly Park with full points.
"A deflection is always some form of help for the opponent as it showed up today. My goalkeeper did very well and he is my man of the match," said Police coach Calvin Lewis.
Yesterday, the homesters were the first to break from the shackles, doing so when a Police defender handled the ball inside the penalty area. However, although captain Curtis Eldemire was a picture of calm, his poorly-stuck effort was saved by Levy.
Things got worse for Eldemire three minutes later as he hacked down Malica Reid in the penalty box and the referee pointed to the spot. Michael Cohen converted for Police.
Dennis Duncan, coach of Maverley decided he would take no further chances with Eldemire and pulled him before the game was half hour old. His replacement, Richard Henry, attracted much attention from a no-nonsense Ricardo Evans.
slipped under radar
However, Henry slipped under his radar 82 minutes into the game when he darted into the box, only to be fouled by Marlon Jackson. The resulting penalty, which was taken by Andre McLean, was saved.
Incidentally, McLean was the man who brought Maverley from the grave with a 68th-minute drive which deflected and beat Levy.
Police got their chance at a clincher in the final seconds, moments after Kevin Eldimire, older brother of Curtis was ejected after a second bookable offence. Reid rose high to meet a corner and despite being unchallenged, he was off target.
His coach wished he had converted but said: "A point away from home is always good and we are okay with that."
Duncan said his team was unfortunate not to convert the penalties.
"I feel bad about it but it is just football. We got a point from the game and I am happy," he said.
Yesterday's result moved both teams to 15 points, two behind leaders Meadhaven.
In other games, Mountain View beat JDF 1-0, Bull Bay also had a 1-0 win over Shortwood, Barbican and Santos drew 0-0, August Town returned to winning ways with a 3-2 win over Rae Town while Meadhaven beat Greenwich Town 1-0.
