Racing’s string of stalemates continues with Tivoli draw

Tivoli Gardens and Racing United played out a scoreless draw yesterday at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex in heavy rain.

Neither team could find a way to separate themselves in the Wray and Nephew-sponsored Jamaica Premier League game despite creating several opportunities throughout the contest.

The result, Racing’s fourth draw in five games, means they remain second in the league standings with 34 points, trailing leaders Montego Bay United, who have amassed 39.

Tivoli, on the other hand, missed out on a prime opportunity to break into the league’s top six as they sit seven on 23 points, tied with Molynes United, who hold the advantage on goal difference.

Jevoun Bascoe had a chance at goal when he pounced on a loose ball just outside the box, but his low-driven effort was saved by the goalkeeper.

Tivoli were forced to make a first-half substation as Barrington Pryce was stretchered off the field due to injury during the same play.

Nickalia Fuller came close to unlocking the Racing defence in the second half. Picking up the ball at the half-line, he played in Akeil Leachman with a pass from the outside of his right boot. Leachman, however, did not have the pace to meet the ball as Racing quickly recovered to clear their lines.

The heavens opened and rain poured down, but that did little to calm the intensity of the contest as both teams, despite the soggy footing, continued their search for an opener.

Close calls

Tivoli again came close at the 60th-minute mark as a ball into the box by Mikel Graham was inches away from finding Leachman before the goalkeeper came off his line to collect.

Fuller was the next player to test his luck, driving the ball along the wet carpet from distance but found the effort posed little difficulty for the Racing goalkeeper.

The home team had another chance at goal again as Fuller tried another low drive from distance, which was fumbled by Racing goalkeeper Aaron Enill.

Enill, however, recovered in time to clean up the spill before a Tivoli attacker could capitalise.

Racing had their look in at goal in the 70th minute when a defensive error from Tivoli allowed Nickyle Ellis to drive into the box.

Racing saw their opportunity slip through their grasp as Ellis’ final pass to Tajay Grant, who had an empty goal at his mercy, got caught in a puddle of water, and disrupted the attack.

The rainy conditions again proved detrimental, this time for Tivoli, who saw a golden opportunity go to waste as Fuller, receiving a ball over the top, lost his footing and could not get his shot off.

In the other games across the afternoon, Molynes conceded a last-minute stunner as they were held to a 1-1 draw with Portmore United.

Molynes took the lead in the 64th minute through Nicholas Nelson, but Peter McGregor, who made the switch to Portmore from Molynes before the start of the season, scored the equaliser nine minutes after the 90.

Harbour View capitulated in their match against Treasure Beach as after leading 3-0 at half-time, fell 4-3 to the St Elizabeth-based club by the final whistle.

Waterhouse picked up their first win of the calendar year as they clipped Chapelton Maroons 1-0 with Denardo Thomas scoring the game’s only goal.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com

YESTERDAY’S RESULTS

Chapelton 0-1 Waterhouse

Tivoli 0-0 Racing

Portmore 1-1 Molynes

Harbour View 3-4 Treasure Beach

Arnett – Mount Pleasant (ongoing at press time)