Paul-Andre Walker, Staff Reporter
RIVOLI UNITED dropped their first home points yesterday, losing all three to Reno, who beat them 2-0 in Wray and Nephew National Premier League action at the Prison Oval.
Reno, who never looked the better team, were given an early advantage when Nicholay Findlayson slotted home a 29th minute penalty. With time running out and the writing not yet on the wall for Rivoli, the victory was secured by Omar Evans' 87th minute free-kick.
The game itself was scrappy for long periods with Rivoli having the majority of possession but failing to capitalise on a number of chances.
Henroy Mitchell was the main culprit as he muffed at least three clear opportunities for his team.
He was to rue those missed chances as Rivoli defender Marlon Allen got caught in possession by Fabian Blake.
Blake made his way into the box where he got rid of Allen and Barrington Planter before being brought down.
REPAIRING THE DAMAGE
The resulting penalty was slammed into the roof of the net.
After that, Rivoli set to the task of repairing the damage but the chances spurned so easily earlier in the game were not to present themselves again with Reno defending their lead stoutly.
In the second half, Rivoli were relegated to shots from distance and fighting for crosses and were rarely given space by Reno's defenders.
Evans' late free kick was was poorly defended by Rivoli goalkeeper Moschell Nelson and that was the final nail in the coffin for the hosts.
After the game, Rivoli coach Harold Thomas called the game a wake-up call.
"The fact that we could have dominated for 30 minutes in the second half means we could have done it earlier and we never did it. So it's a wake up call to the players," said Thomas.
On the other hand, newly-appointed Reno coach, Calvin Valentine, was looking ahead to the possibility of a Premier League title.
"It's time for Reno to wear the crown. The time is now," warned Valentine, who says his team's great advantage is its youthfulness.
SCOREBOARD
RIVOLI 0
RENO 2
Nicholay Findlayson 29th
Omar Evans 87th
