Reno hold Arnett in Red Stripe Premier League

Arnett Gardens FC and Reno FC battled out a dour 0-0 draw in the opening round of the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) new season at Barbican Complex in St Andrew yesterday.

Reno ended the match with 10 players after Renorio Downswell picked up a second yellow card in the 90th minute.

Former champions Arnett played their home game at Barbican due to a two-match ban on the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex by the Jamaica Football Federation, following a throwing incident in the semi-final phase against Montego Bay United at the back-end of last season.

Yesterday's game was far from entertaining. However, Arnett created the better chances, but failed to score. Arnett's Damari Deacon got the best opportunity, but kicked his shot onto the left upright, with Reno's goalkeeper Dennis Taylor beaten by a right-sided cross from Kenneil Hyde.

Arnett Gardens head coach, Jerome 'Jerry' Waite, said he fielded some youngsters and the team created the better chances in the match.

"Well, first and foremost, it was a spirited performance from the youngsters. We missed some chances, but they will get better as the season progresses," Waite told The Gleaner.

"These players went through vigorous training in pre-season and deserved to play. Some senior players are overseas but will have to go through their pre-season when they get back," he disclosed.

Meanwhile, Wendel Downswell, coach of Reno, was very satisfied with getting a point on the road.

"We are happy with the result. Our preparation was not the best in terms of practice games. It's a big point, as if we won the game," Downswell, a former national coach, said.

Yesterday's results

Arnett 0 Reno 0

UWI FC 1 Waterhouse 0

Montego Bay United 1 Maverley/Hughenden 2

Portmore United 1 Jamalco 0

Humble Lion 2 Boys' Town 0