Marc Stamp, Gleaner Writer

Boys' Town and Montego Bay United battled to a hard-fought 1-1 draw in windy conditions at the Collie Smith Drive complex in Red Stripe Premier League action yesterday, leaving both coaches satisfied with the result.

The visitors surprised home team Boys' Town when former schoolboy star Allan Ottey beat goalkeeper Kirk Porter with a neat finish from close range in the second minute, following a right side cross by Aldaine Grant.

However, Boys' Town showed their usual fighting qualities to hit back when Jermaine Allen netted past MoBay's custodian, Garen Downie, in the 25th minute.

CHALLENGING WEATHER

"It was a favourable result as the conditions were a bit windy. It was really a challenge," said Andrew Price, coach of Boys' Town, after the game.

"We just had to stick with it and fight. We got some chances that we should have capitalised on. It was one of those days when nothing seemed to go right for us in front of goal," Price reasoned.

"We gave up a silly goal early in the game. We had to work our way back into the game and got a goal. We had good territorial advantage and should have really pressed home, but things weren't going [well] for us today," Price added. "I can complement my team on their fitness as in the last 20 minutes we ran hard. We were just unfortunate today not to find the winner."

Montego Bay United's coach, Dr Dean Weatherly, also felt satisfied with the point. "Coming here at Boys' Town, a very difficult ground in terms of wins, and leaving with a point, I am satisfied.

"The fellows played a very disciplined game as they followed instructions well. It is a work in progress. We need to step up the ladder, and this is the start of something good for us."

Looking forward, the coach said: "We have to accumulate as many points as possible and see how close we can finish in the third round. We will see where we are, and if we have to go for it in the final round, we will go for it. We are still aiming to win the title, and that is what we are in the league for."

Boys' Town remain in third position on 44 points while Mobay moved to 39 points and are in sixth position.