Parish rivals share spoils at Brancourt

Richard Bryan, Gleaner Writer

In play befitting a royal parish derby, Clarendon neighbours Sporting Central Academy and Humble Lion battled to an exciting 1-1 draw in their Digicel Premier League match-up at Brancourt on Sunday.

Hosts Sporting Central thought they had the makings of a platform to get past their less experienced parish mates, when Hughan 'Vy-Brain'Grey shot past Shawn Sawyers in only the third minute of play.

However, the one-goal advantage never seemed to transform their game and it was the visitors who hauled their way back in contention when the wily Denzil Watson headed home a beauty in the 33rd minute off a good cross from Roberto Fletcher.

The two were recently added to the Humble Lion roster via the last transfer window and, along with Omando McCleod, created most problems for the home side.

It was Watson's second goal in three games since donning the colours of the newcomers but the response of the crowd - the largest here since the first-round game against Tivoli - showed they treasured his return as a former daCosta Cup star with Glenmuir High.

Sporting's assistant coach, Nigel Stewart, decried his team's failure to ride their early success in the game whereas Humble Lion's Chris Bender felt with a little luck, his goal of breaking into the top six would have been closer realised.

"Right now we're just three points from the team in sixth position and that's where our focus is right now," Bender told
The Gleaner
.

Impressive moves

Both teams impressed with their passing and general attacking game, but the lack of potent shots within the final third hurt each other's press for the decisive winning goal.

Sporting, who needed the introduction of their national player, Jevaughn Watson in the second-half to stave off the better attacking momentum from the visitors, might feel the best opportunity to win the game was lost from the first half. However, Levaughn Williams seemed to freeze when he appeared to have an advancing Sawyers at his mercy.

Humble Lion, still hovering above the relegation zone reason to believe they had the better chance to score when, immediately on resumption from half-time, the dreadlocked Watson dribbled his way behind the Sporting defence. He found McLeod dangerously positioned inside. However, McLeod took much too long to shoot and only got off a shot that was deflected just inches past the upright for a corner.

Sunday's matches

Sporting Central vs Tivoli Gardens at Brancourt at 3:30 p.m.

Portmore United vs Village United at Ferdie Neita Park at 7:30 p.m.

Rivoli United vs Arnett Gardens at Spanish Town Prison Oval at 4 p.m.

St. Georges vs Waterhouse at Lynch Park at 6:30 p.m.

Humble Lion vs Boys' Town Effortville Community Centre at 3:30 p.m.

August Town vs Harbour View at UWI Bowl, Mona, at 3:30 p.m.