Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

BOYS' TOWN rebounded from their loss to Waterhouse the previous week with a 1-0 win over Sporting Central Academy in their Red Stripe Premier League clash at Collie Smith Drive yesterday.

The 'Red Brigades', who were posting their second win of the season after recording a 2-0 win over Cavalier in their first match, were led to victory on a 31st minute strike from forward Rafiek Thomas.

Played in damp and slippery conditions, Boys' Town took the game to Sporting Central in the opening exchanges, but were held in check by some stout defending from their opponents.

The persistence, however, eventually paid off when Thomas, the recipient of a one-two pass from Marvin Stewart, was left one-on-one with the goalkeeper and picked his spot to score.

With Sporting Central still trying to come to grips with the goal, Boys' Town continued their thrust and three minutes later they should have been 2-0 up, but forward Romeo Parkes was not able to keep down a header taken from close to the penalty spot.

Strategy shift

Sporting, recognising the need to change their strategy to get back in the game, did just that by playing a more attacking game in the second half, with midfielder Levaughn Williams and forward Francios Swaby leading their charge.

But good goalkeeping from Kirk Porter coupled with strong defending between Xavian Virgo and Daemion Benjamin, Boys' Town were able to withstand the challenges.

Boys' Town's coach, Andrew Price, said he was not surprised with the victory, as though they lost 3-1 to Waterhouse the previous week the team has been playing well.

"Even though we lost to Waterhouse we have been playing well from the first game," said Price, who is still without top players Oneil Thompson and Renae Lloyd, who are yet to feature this season, and watched from the stands.

"We moved the ball around well and attacked and defended according to the dictates of the game," Price added. "We just need to build on performances like these as the season is a long one."

Nigel Stewart, coach of Sporting Central - which won their first two games - said his team tried, especially in the second half.

"Though we lost there were a lot of positives to take from the match," he said.

"We were somewhat flat in the first half, but responded well in the second and with a little luck could have left with a point."