North Village 1 Robin Hood 1

North Village preserved their lead over second-place Robin Hood as the two teams draw at Bernard’s Park yesterday.

Justin Bell gave the home the lead from the penalty spot midway through the second half but Hood answered back immediately when Tevahn Tyrell finished well to keep his team within striking distance.

Kenny Thompson, the Village coach, was positive about the result but is also aware that there is still more work to be done.

“We came into the match looking to win as always, but considering our position, a draw is definitely something that we will take”, Thompson said.

“We now have to prepare for another tough match against Dandy Town who occupy the third-place position, so the goal is to remain focused.”

With so much at stake, both teams were cautious in their approach for most of the first half and a strong cross wind did little to help either side in possession.

The best chance of the half fell to Rai Simons, who was picked out by a diagonal free kick from Terryn Fray that left him with only the goalkeeper to beat. After a good first touch the Village frontman hesitated to pull the trigger, allowing goalkeeper Jason Simons to come off his line and smother the eventual shot.

Hood had two opportunities just before half but Lejaun Simmons and Casey Castle were both off target, blazing over the bar in both situations.

The second half seemed to be following the same script but both coaches made substitutes that paid off immediate dividends. Bell replaced Simons in the 60th minute and the tricky winger quickly earned his team a penalty when he was brought down after combining with Jaizel Smith-DeShields.

Bell was quick to brush himself off and stepped up to take the ensuing penalty, which he dispatched to the goalkeeper’s left to give his team the lead.

Celebrations were cut short however, when Hood’s substitute Tyrell popped up with an instant response.

The tall striker was given too much space as he received a free kick inside the box, bringing the ball down off his chest and striking the ball hard and low off the turn to beat goalkeeper Tahj Bell.

The goal sprang life into the visiting side who were now looking for the important go ahead goal. Tyrell came close in the 75th minute when his half volley from 30 yards had everyone frozen, but the shot came off the outside of the upright an out for goal kick. The pressure continued to mount and Hood had two more good chances.

Aaron Nelson beat his man down the left and cut into the box but Bell was sharply over to save with his feet.

Jaylon Bather then got his head on the resulting corner but Bell showed great agility diving to his right to palm away the goal-bound header.

SCORERS

Village: J Bell 65

Hood: T Tyrell 66

TEAMS

North Village (4-3-3): T Bell — K Knights, Z Robinson, T Fray, A Darrell — D Daniels, J Briers, T Tucker — J Lee (sub: J Daniels, 78), R Simons (sub: J Bell, 60), J Smith-DeShields. Substitutes not used: T Bean, P Castle, W Shakir, D Tankard. Booked: Darrell 26

Robin Hood (3-4-3): J Simons — S Smith, J Bather, C Castle — L Evans, C Ryan, P Parsons, A Nelson — E Outerbridge (sub: T Tyrell, 60), L Simmons, A Russell. Substitutes not used: C Ricca, L Steede, N Outerbridge. Booked: Parsons.

Referee: A Francis.