Ross Russell Jr. rescued Defence Force FC, coached by his father Ross Russell, on Friday night in Round Two Match Day Five of the Digicel Pro League Championship when he blasted in a shot from distance to pull off a 1-1 draw against Police FC in the 95th minute.
However referee Larry Lalchan picked up all the attention in the end, with spectators and Police FC players and staff remained in disagreement of seven minutes of injury time allowed by the official.
Commissioner of Police Dwayne Gibbs was present at the Super Friday double header and witnessed an excellent play by U-21 player Vernell Ramirez in the 61st minute, rushing down the right and providing striker Jason Boodram with a low cross behind the defense and simple task of slotting a shot past goalkeeper Kevin Graham for the 1-0 advantage.
But in the 95th minute after keeping out numerous efforts by the soldiers, goalkeeper Adisa Alleyne failed to block out the strike from distance by late Defence Force substitute Russell to share points.
Police maintained its low seating in seventh on the ladder with five points and Defence Force at the bottom in eight with four points.
Eight minutes into the match Police FC’s Kareem Young blasted in from distance forcing a save out of Graham—sending a warning to the soldiers.
And two minutes later a shout for penalty only earned Defence Force a freekick on the right of the area in the action packed clash of the forces.
Defence Force midfielder Sean Narcis had the best look at goal for the soldiers but was denied by Alleyne on two occasions first showing good skill in the 21st minute looping the ball over his marker and unleashing a half volley, and three minutes from the break had an attempt on goal.
Three minutes into the second period Ramirez was denied by goalkeeper Graham from point blank before setting up the Police item in the 61st.
But it was Defence Force who dominated chances, especially in the second period with Richard Roy heading wide from a long forward freekick by Kerry Joseph in the 52nd minute and a minute after the Police item, Kevon Carter headed wide.
Roy attempted to test Alleyne again in the 75th minute but only lobbed the ball onto the roof of the net in a continued struggle to find the equalizing item.
The soldiers switched the artillery into rapid fire near the end with Narcis hooking an effort across the face of goal from a Corey Rivers’ freekick on the right and in the 90th minute goalkeeper Alleyne pulled off a superb save against Carter who’s effort was destined for the far netting.
The lawmen also blocked out another injury time attempt by the soldiers, however couldn’t withstand the test of time in the end.
Defence Force 0—1 Police FC
Ross Russell Jr. 90’+5 ; Jason Boodram 61’
Defence Force—Kevin Graham, Corey Rivers (capt.), Kevon Carter, Richard Roy, Kerry Joseph, Sean Narcis, Glynn Franklyn, Keston Williams, Jerwyn Balthazar, Dexter Pacheco (Sterling O’Brian), Rodell Elcock
Coach—Ross Russell
Police FC—Adisa Alleyne, Jason Boodram (capt.), Kheon Archie, Errol Charles, Anton Hutchinson, Todd Ryan, Trent Noel, Akiba Peters, Kareem Young, Randy Harris, Vernell Ramirez (Noel Williams)
Coach—Kelvin Jones