Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter
RELEGATED RIVOLI United ended their tenure this season in the Wray and Nephew National Premier League on a positive note when they split the points with red-hot Boy's Town after a 0-0 draw at Collie Smith Drive yesterday.
"We did not want to come out here and be disgraced today and as you can see from the result we were competitive through-out," remarked Rivoli's coach, Calvert Fitzgerald.
"We have been losing by the odd goal for most of the season and we have not been swamped for all of it, so I think that is at least one positive we will take with us," he added.
Rivoli, who will now have to attempt their climb back to top- flight football from the Super League next season, had their opportunities to steal the game.
In the 24th minute, Derrick Planter struck a rapidly-curling free kick to goal from 20 yards out but Boys' Town custodian Kirk Porter coped well as he went full stretch to snatch the ball.
Porter again came up big when he pounced to take the ball off the feet of Rivoli striker Henry Mitchell from four yards away.
In an even game, home team Boys' Town also had their fair share of opportunities. Rollin Francis, who came off the bench in the 60th minute, struck a ferocious shot which was punched away by Rivoli custodian Moschell Nelson, who reacted well to the ball dipping late.
Ten minutes later, Nelson, who had a solid game, scrambled across to deny George Vernal, who thought he had an open net after the ball had been played back across goal by Denzil Watson.
Vernal broke into the box again two minutes from time but poked the ball wide of an onrushing Nelson.
"We were a little complacent, I did not see the effort I wanted to see but maybe it's because it's the last day of the season," commented Boys' Town assistant coach Diego Gordon.
"I am more upset than disappointed but we didn't lose. We could have done a lot better so we will go back to the drawing board and be ready for the super eight next week," he added.
