Central strike late to deny Glenmuir

In front of a vociferous home crowd at Effortville in Clarendon, Central High left it late to claim a point following their 1-1 draw with Glenmuir High in their top-of-the-table Zone M ISSA/Digicel daCosta Cup encounter yesterday.

It took a stoppage-time equaliser from centre forward Javel Barnes to rescue a point for the Jermain Douglas-coached Central side who move to 16 points, the same as Glenmuir, who top the standings on goal difference with still two games to play.

From the outset, both teams were intent on not relinquishing any advantage as they entered the contest locked on 15 points each. However, Central had played one more game than their Clarendon neighbours.

The first half was more of a defensive duel as both teams failed to carve out any clear chances in front of goal.

With both coaches continuously making tactical adjustments to unlock the deadlock, Glenmuir grabbed the lead when live-wire winger David Reid worked his magic inside the Central area before being brought down by Central’s Zidane Christie. The referee pointed to the spot and Oraine Watson stepped up to convert the penalty to give the visitors the lead in the 54th minute.

With their fans cheering them on, Central found just a bit more life to run at the Glenmuir team, and that effort would pay off late in the contest.

Attacking midfielder Nathaniel Barnes produced a bit of magic of his own in the first minute of added time as he picked up a long-range left-sided pass and dismissed two Glenmuir defenders before setting up Barnes. The latter ran on and slotted past the advancing Antwone Gooden in the Glenmuir goal.

A share of the points was pleasing to both coaches as the teams get ready to face tougher opposition at the business end of the competition.

“We need to have better game management, and today, we allowed Central to be in the game for too long. We dominated the encounter, but allowing Central to be in the game cost us today," said Andrew Peart of Glenmuir.

“This team has been showing a lot of heart this season. Every time we have gone behind, we find a way to recover. We have a good set of lads that are showing character, and hopefully, we can go far in the competition and continue to improve,” said coach Douglas of Central High.

Other results

Marcus Garvey 1 York Castle5

Browns Town 0 Ocho Rios 0

St Mary Tech 3 Wycliffe Martin 2

Annotto Bay 8 St Mary High 1

Yallahs 1 Paul Bogle 2

St Thomas Tech 1 Seaforth 6

Kemps Hill 1 Foga Road 3

Today's games

Mile Gully vs Alston

Christiana vs Holmwood

Guys Hill vs Charlemont

Enid Bennett vs Ewarton

Dinthill vs McGrath

All matches kick off at 3 p.m.