Nodley Wright, Gleaner Writer

If a 0-0 game meant that neither team got a point then it would have been justified based on the quality of play in the Wray and Nephew National Premier League encounter between home team VIllage United and Tivoli Gardens at Elliston Wakeland Centre yesterday.

The game was devoid of purpose and passion as both teams played as if their minds were elsewhere. Perhaps their minds were on the opening ceremony for the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, being held a short distance away.

Of the 22 players who started and the substitutes who came on, the only ones who distinguished themselves were Tivoli goalkeeper Damion Crooks and to a lesser extent the Village defensive pair of Jeff Pearce and Vincent Barnes, who was making his debut.

Fair result

"I think it was fair result because we had half chances and they had too but did not capitalise either," a relaxed Tivoli Gardens coach Calvert Fitzgerald said at the end of the game.

Village's Fitzroy 'Johnny' Reid felt that his team lacked commitment in the offensive third.

"We thought we would have had a much better afternoon but the commitment was not there offensively. You saw the situation where we had a forward walking. Defensively, we were much better. We had a young man Barnes making his debut and you would not have known based on the assurance with which he played," said Reid, expressing mixed feelings.