Khano spot on as Hogges earn draw
Bermuda Hogges 3Central Jersey 3Khano Smith struck twice from the penalty spot to earn Bermuda Hogges a share of the spoils against Central Jersey at BAA Field last night.The former MLS winger held his nerve to level the scores at the death after Central Jersey had appeared on course for an unlikely victory during a thrilling finale.It would have been a demoralising defeat for Hogges, who had taken a two-goal lead early in the first-half through Keishen Bean and a Smith penalty, won by a foul on Damon Ming. Slack defending by Hogges, however, allowed the visitors back into the game before half-time, courtesy of goals from Bonny Londono and Antoine Hoppenot.Midway through the second period Central Jersey took the lead when unmarked substitute Chris Benedict fired home from the edge of the box past Hogges goalkeeper Tahj Bell, who had strayed too far from his line. But with just minutes remaining, sub Lashun Dill threw Hogges a lifeline, winning his side another penalty after being nudged in the back while preparing to shoot.Smith stepped up and made no mistake, once again rifling his penalty hard and low to keeper Paul Carr's left.Hogges' coach Maurice Lowe heaped praise on home debutant Smith who had a hand in all three goals, having orchestrated Bean's opener with a devilish cross from the left. “It was a good performance by Khano tonight,” said Lowe. “He had a big impact for us and kept his cool with both penalties.”Lowe was less generous though in his assessment of Hogges' defending, expressing disappointment at his team's marking on all three goals conceded. “Our marking was very poor tonight,” said Lowe. “We definitely need to improve aspects of our defending.”Hogges, who remain fifth in the table, play Jersey Express in their final game of the season tomorrow at BAA Field. Kick off is 7 pm.Bermuda Hogges: T Bell, D Andrade, J Bather, R Trott (R DeShields, 55), D Cox, C Caisey, K Bean, S Darrell, D Ming (C Caisey, 78), A Russell (L Dill, 81), K SmithSubstitutes not used: W Clemons, T MingGoals: Bean, 18, Smith, 23 (pen), 86 (pen)Yellow cards: SmithCentral Jersey: P Carr, R Shaler, J Parker, A DeJohn, G Cohrane, K McCarthy, RJ Allen, J Aquirre, B Londono, S Caldwell (C Benedict, 70), A Hoppenot (C Christian, 55)Substitutes not used: A Blackburn, A Amato, R BrownGoals: Loudrano, 34, Hoppenot, 43, Benedict, 75Yellow card: CarrMan of the match: Smith (Hogges)