BUFF BAY, Portland:

Despite two early goals from midfielder Fabian Davis, Arnett Gardens were held to a hard-fought two-all draw by home team St Georges FC of Portland in their Cash Plus Premier League match at Lynch Park yesterday.

Arnett, which remain 10th, with 31 points, played most of the game with 10 men as Kierald McLeod was red-carded at the 21st minute.

St Georges coach Donovan Duckie explained that his team, now sixth on 34, did well to come from behind and earn a share of the points. He noted that his team is plagued by injuries, including main striker Damion Harwood.

"The guys played their heart out and I believe we gave up a soft goal in the second minute," he said. "We, however, having a player advantage, fought our way back into the game and were able to score two goals against a team like Arnett, which has high-quality players. I have to praise my team's effort and thank the supporters at large."

It was Arnett who drew first blood after Davis combined with a number of players to open the scoring in the second minute. As Arnett continued to enjoy the better of play, Davis again scored in the 12th minute by way of a free kick near the edge of the 18-yard box.

Finding themselves two goals down, St Georges started to claw their way back into the game through good plays from Damian Reid, Omar Brissett and Bar-rington James. They were rewarded in the 37th minute when James fired home a half volley, making it 2-1.

Domination

Urged on by their home crowd, St Georges continued to dominate play and came close to scoring on numerous occasions but were either denied by poor finishing or outstanding goalkeeping.

They drew level in the 53rd minute when Dean Hillelide broke loose inside the box and placed the ball neatly to the left of the advancing goalkeeper.

Arnett's coach Jerome Waite praised his team for the shared points away from home. He noted that having only 10 players due to an ejection in the 21st minute disrupted their game plan.

"We fought hard. We knew it was always going to be difficult coming to Lynch Park," he said. "Arnett are on the improve and the players are determined to give an account of themselves each game."