Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter
WATERHOUSE DRIED up Constant Spring's hope of bagging their first win of the Wray and Nephew National Premier League season when they came from two goals down with six minutes remaining to hold the home team to a 2-2 draw at the Constant Spring Complex yesterday.
Two goals up until the 84th minute, the sweet taste of victory this season finally seemed to be a surety for the last-place team.
Jermaine Richards put them in the lead from the penalty spot in the 57th minute, following a robust Craig White sliding challenge on Nigel Reid who had to be carried off the field.
For the Spring fans it seemed Christmas had come early when Christopher Currie banged in yet another goal for the home team in the 71st minute. Waterhouse custodian Maurice Evans, who had conceded the free kick when he charged to accidentally handle the ball just outside the area, was comprehensively beaten as the ball looked to have taken a slight deflection.
Waterhouse midfielder Irvino English had come close to scoring on several occasions from various set-piece plays. In the 70th minute a well-taken free kick was beaten away by Constant Spring keeper Ralston Robinson and eight minutes later another curled inches wide of the upright. In the 84th he would make good on his promise and hit the target when he curled in a free kick, conceded about 20 yards out, around Robinson to pull one back for his team.
There would be even more late drama when substitute Kevin Lamey picked up a pass from a little under 40 yards out and fired a dipping shot past Robinson, who being caught unaware, was a little off his line.
Lamey's 11th goal of the season slapped the taste of victory out of the mouth of a crushed and disappointed Constant Spring faithful.
SECOND GOAL A JOKE
"The second goal was a joke; we were playing good football all the way, we were competitive and I think we had the better run of play than Waterhouse. We should have come away with all three points, we deserved it," lamented Constant Spring coach Maurice 'Danny' Lyn. "But I think the team played well, we showed that we have the character to fight. We will analyse where we went wrong and come again.
Constant Spring's ninth draw leaves them at the bottom of the table with eight points. Waterhouse coach Wayne Fairclough also believed his team showed character.
"I am pleased with the guys' performance. We showed a lot of character, fighting from two goals down, even though I think the penalty was questionable," he said.
"Nobody can be pleased with a draw, but away from home it was a good game and a good result. We should have won but it is still a good result," he said.
Waterhouse now remain second in the tables on 32 points.
GOALSHEET
Constant Spring
Jermaine Richards, 57th (pen)
Christopher Currie, 71st
Waterhouse
Irvino English 84th
Kevin Lamey 89th
