Hyatt stars in Portmore, Arnett stalemate

Arnett Gardens' FC head coach Jerome 'Jerry' Waite credited his goalkeeper ,Damian Hyatt, for the point earned in his team's 0-0 draw against Portmore United in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) at the Spanish Town Prison Oval yesterday.

Hyatt, who is a national senior team goalkeeper, came up big on several occasions to deny Portmore full points. He saved a point-blank effort from Portmore's top striker, Jermie Lynch. The custodian also saved other shots on target to keep a clean sheet.

"I'm not disappointed. One of the key things is to ensure that you don't lose. Damian Hyatt was the best player on the pitch, and he came up big with some saves today," Waite told The Gleaner.

"Away from that, Vishinul Harris created a clear opportunity and did not convert, but overall, it was pretty much a physical game. It was a good point away from home," he added.

Portmore United head coach Shavar Thomas said that his team created enough opportunities to have at least won 2-0.

"It was an even game. I think we had more of the advantage and the better looks at goal. We were not wasteful but had way better chances, which we did not finish. The game should've finished at least 2-0 for us," Thomas said.

"What was important was that Arnett did not break us down. We were solid at the back, and what they threw at us was nullified.

"It was a clash between first and second place, so we take that point and move on to the next game," Thomas also said.

In another game, newcomers Sandals South Coast picked up their first-ever RSPL win when they edged Boys' Town 1-0 at the Frome Complex in Westmoreland.

Sandals got the all-important goal courtesy of Obrian Bent in time added. The win pushed the Aaron Lawrence-coached team to six points, the same as Boys' Town. However, because of goal difference, Sandals remained at the bottom in the 12, team league.

Yesterday's results

Sandals South Coast 1-0 Boys' Town

Tivoli Gardens 2-0 Humble Lion

Cavalier 1-1 UWI

Portmore United 0-0 Arnett Gardens

Montego Bay United 1-0 Waterhouse