Richard Bryan, Freelance Writer

Portmore United and Reno, both former champs, battled out a 0-0 draw at STETHS yesterday, a game which not only mirrored their effort but also illustrated why they missed out on places in the first End-of-Round final.

Both goalkeepers, Shawn Sawyers (Portmore) and Dwayne Kerr (Reno), had almost day-offs in averting goals as both teams blunted each other's attacking armoury and lacked the skill to execute the few chances created within striking distance.

Perhaps the only telling chance was that created by the hustling Kirk Wright early in the first half, when he slammed one from 30 yards in Sawyers' chest. But then Nyron Davis' effort at the rebound again reflected the off-radar game for both teams.

It was only too obvious when both camps reflected on their season, rather than the game itself.

"I am not overly concerned," trumped Paul Young when asked about Portmore's effort. "We have depth but based on our injuries so far, we have done well. The constant reshuffling cost the team its edge. We were not able to execute, we needed more sharpness in the final third and to be precise."

Injured players

He lamented the injuries of such players as Anthony Bennett, Tyrone Sawyers and Mario Swaby as having had a negative effect.

For Reno, the overriding feeling was jubilance as Wendell Downswell pointed to the fact that the Westmoreland club was having its best season in about eight to 10 years.

"Usually, we have about five to six points in the first part of each season, always having the fight early to save relegation."

He pointed to lost points in draws at home to Boys' Town (2-2 at Frome) and Waterhouse (1-1 at STETHS) as the setback to achieving a first End-of-Round final.

Reno 0

Portmore 0