Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer
FINDLAYSON
SPANISH TOWN:
A LATE goal by Dwayne Ford lifted homesters Rivoli United to a 1-1 draw with Reno of Westmoreland in the Wray and Nephew National Premier League encounter at Spanish Town Prison Oval yesterday afternoon.
Nicholi Findlayson had given visitors Reno a deserved lead in a match played under wet conditions due to rains. They took advantage of the early exchanges by utilising their height and playing the ball mostly in the air.
Despite their dominance, the first half ended 0-0 as stout defending by Rivoli and faulty finishes kept the Westmoreland team off the scoresheet.
On the resumption, however, Reno came into their own and started to play a more cohesive brand of football with the likes of Omar Dallas, Kendrie Quarrie, Fabian Blake and Richard Scott playing well.
They were rewarded for their superior play in the 64th minute when Findlayson made no mistake from within 18 yards after receiving a pass from Scott, making a fine execution for a 1-0 scoreline.
Having taken the lead Reno started to play negatively by putting more men in defence. It allowed Rivoli to come back into the game and in the 84th minute, Ford slipped away from his marker and scored.
Even with six minutes remaining, both teams could have improved on their tally, but faulty finishes denied a winning finish.
Reno's coach Eaton Bruce said they had the match to win but allowed Rivoli back in the game.
"Having scored we started to play defensive football and Rivoli came back into their own. We almost lost the match," he said.
Rivoli's coach Calvert Fitzergald said: "We played well. However, we should have won the game but lack of effective finishing cost us two points."
Fitzergald also mentioned that several key players such as Ricardo Knight who was out on injury and Patrick Beech will not be playing until they start to contribute effectively to the team.
GOALSHEET
RIVOLI 1
Dwayne Ford 84th
RENO 1
Nicholi Findlayson 64th
