Sloppy finishing ruled on Friday night in second clash of a Round Two Match Day Seven Digicel Pro League Super Friday double header at the Larry Gomes Stadium between Defence Force and Adam’s Construction San Juan Jabloteh which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Jabloteh had to come from behind in the 40th minute thanks to an item by midfielder Jason Marcano in the mid-table clash to level the scores.
The soldiers went ahead in as early as the 8th minute after referee Rashby McPhie awarded a penalty against defender Christon Thomas who tripped Richard Roy inside the area.
Roy, the leading 2011-12 League goalscorer now with 8 goals, took to the spot himself and buried a powerful shot to the right of John who chose the wrong side, giving the soldiers the early 1-0 advantage against the run of play following numerous raids by Jabloteh with Marcano the liveliest.
And in the 12th minute goalkeeper John measured a brilliant curling strike by Jerwyn Balthazar gloving it behind for a corner.
That didn’t stop the urgency of Jabloteh who pressed on for the equalizing item and in the 24th minute striker Willis Plaza volleyed just wide from distance after a quick buildup by the Earl Carter coached side.
Marcano then leveled the scores before the break, heading past the gloves of goalkeeper Kevin Graham in a play started from a freekick from distance.
Marcano was denied a second in the 45th minute from a free-kick won at the edge of the area after Corey Rivers bundled over Plaza. Graham gloved away the on target Marcano effort to preserve the scoreline at the break.
The second period saw numerous opportunities which Defence Force held the better percentage, however finding the back of the net again seemed impossible.
Two minutes after the restart Rivers was shut out by goalkeeper John—the Jabloteh number one doing well to keep out a powerful freekick by the Defence Force captain.
Jabloteh also had a shot from distance, this time from open play, when Sheldon Bateau playing a midfield role for the San Juan club opened his cannon from outside the area in the 59th minute but just wide of the far upright.
Defence Force followed up with three good openings—substitute Jemel Sebro heading inches wide in the 64th minute, Josimar Belgrave finding the side netting in the 78th minute and substitute Balondemu Julius squandering an opening against John six minutes from regulation time.
The result saw Jabloteh jump one spot up the League standings with 20 points in third, the same as second positioned Caledonia AIA, and one point behind leaders W Connection (21 points). T&TEC FC sits in fourth with 19 points and Defence Force maintain fifth with 13 points.
Defence Force 1—1 San Juan Jabloteh
Richard Roy 9’ (pen) ; Jason Marcano 40’
Teams
Defence Force—Kevin Graham, Corey Rivers (capt.), Devin Jordan, Richard Roy, Jerwyn Balthazar, Sean Narcis (Anton Joseph), Dexter Pacheco (Balondemu Julius 63rd), Rodell Elcock, Curtis Gonzales, Josimar Belgrave, Kenrick, Cupidore (Jemel Sebro 57th).
Coach—Ross Russell.
San Juan Jabloteh—Cleon John (capt.), Christon Thomas, Devon Jamerson, Elijah Manners, Jason Marcano, Marvin Oliver, Willis Plaza (Keon Trim 62nd), Kennedy Hinkson, Elton John, Jamal Jack, Sheldon Bateau.
Coach—Earl Carter.