Daraine Luton, Freelance Writer
REIGNING CHAMPIONS Portmore United played to a come from behind 1-1 draw with Rivoli United at Ferdie Neita Park yesterday as action continued in the Wray and Nephew National Premier League.
The goals, both of which came in the first half, resulted from penalties.
Garfield Ried put Rivoli ahead in the fourth minute after referee Hughill Thompson adjudged Steven Morrissey to have handled the ball in the penalty box.
However, 15 minutes after taking the lead, Rivoli's goalkeeper Moshell Nelson brought down Ashaine Murray in the box, leaving Thompson with no option but to point to the spot. Anthony Modeste took the kick and converted.
Thompson issued an amazing 11 cards, inclusive of nine yellow and two red.
Portmore's Omar Daley and Rivoli's Rueben Whittaker were the recipients of the red cards. Both were ejected in the 44th minute for violent conduct.
Thompson came in for a lot of criticism from spectators who questioned his handling of the St. Catherine derby.
"A foolishness the ref a do. How the hell him a use him cards for play the game," one spectator vented.
Eight minutes from time, he turned down a strong appeal for hand ball against Rivoli's Derrick Planter, even though it appeared that the player had used his hands to prevent a Rafe Wolfe shot from taking off his head.
Portmore players and supporters begged Thompson for a penalty in the dying moments of the game after Morrissey fell in the box. He had just weaved his way past four defenders into the area but he hit the turf while trying to go past the fifth. The referee blew his whistle but only so he could card the attacker, as he thought it was a bit theatrical.
Portmore's technical director Horace Reid refused to comment on the officiating. He, however, said that the fact both teams are from the same parish football association made the game competitive.
"It is a derby game and derby games are not normally easy," Reid said.
On earning only a point for the home fixture, Reid said: "We are never satisfied. We got a point from the game and it just for us to move on to the next game."
Meanwhile, Rivoli's coach Harold Thomas said there are signs that his team is coming together.
"With each game I can spot improvements and this is encouraging. A point from Portmore is a good achievement. We are happy for it but we are still looking for our first three-point game" Thomas said.
SCOREBOARD
RIVOLI UNITED 1 - Garfield Reid 4th
PORTMORE UNITED 1 - Anthony Modeste 19th
