Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer

It took a huge slice of luck, the persistence of attacker Weston Forrest and according to the Village supporters, an error from referee Ricardo Sailsman, to rescue a point for defending Wray and Nephew National Premier League champions Waterhouse against Village United yesterday. The game ended 1-1.

Following their loss at Elliston Wakeland Centre to August Town in their previous encounter, Village United seemed well on their way to getting their first points at home for the season before things went haywire in time added.

First they found themselves reduced to 10 men. A minute later they were down to nine when goalkeeper Leighton Murray brought down Forrest outside the 18-yard box.

Outstanding game

With Murray off, Jeff Pearce, who had an outstanding game in defense, took over the keeper's gloves and jersey for the resultant free-kick taken by Irvino English. Pearce was helpless as Forrest climbed high to head home and rescue a point for the relived Waterhouse.

The game ended almost immediately and irate Village supporters made their way to the in-field, venting their frustrations verbally at referee Sailsman who was not harmed as the police kept the angry fans at bay. They accused him of playing seven minutes of added time instead of the four minutes displayed by the fourth official.

Earlier Village had the better of play in the first half and converted that into an advantage when they took the lead in the 44th minute through Jaime Ramsay. Ramsay after receiving the ball from Eneil Thomas, sprung the offside trap and fired past Richard McCallum while Waterhouse defenders hesitated, waiting for the offside call.

The second half saw Waterhouse applying the pressure as Forrest in particular came close on a number of occasions.

Village - 1

Jaime Ramsay 44th

Waterhouse - 1

Weston Forrest 90+