Young Men’s Social Club 1 Hamilton Parish 2

The First Division match between league leaders Hamilton Parish and Young Men’s Social Club at Police Field on Sunday grabbed attention for all the wrong reasons.

The scrappy top-of-the -table contest was marred by clashes between the two rivals, which led to the sending off of four players, three from league leaders Parish, who ultimately did just enough to secure the points despite their numerical disadvantage.

Both teams were reduced to ten men in first half stoppage time when Social Club goalkeeper Saki Tuzo and Parish central defender Jakio Williams were sent off for violent conduct. Tuzo, who appeared to ignite the skirmish, was shown a straight red, while Williams was sent off for a second booking.

Parish were then further reduced to eight-men after right back Ryan Richardson and striker Macquille Walker were sent off having also picked up second bookings, the latter in second half stoppage time.

Referee Dwight Jackson, whose officiating came in for fierce criticism from both teams, was kept busy in the middle, as he also dished out yellow cards to Social Club’s Clay Darrell and Callan Che Woolridge as well as Parish’s Kyle Wade and Jordan Outerbridge.

At times the match threatened to get completely out of hand as rash tackles and unsportsmanlike conduct sent tempers boiling over.

Parish were relieved to come away victorious but are now facing the loss of three key players as they serve their suspensions, which could take its toll on their promotion bid.

Social Club went close to opening the scoring when midfielder Ryan Parris dribbled in the box and squared the ball in the middle, where striker Makai Young and forward Darrell both failed to connect with the goal at their mercy.

The visitors gradually settled down and after wrestling control of midfield, started carving out space and creating chances in the attacking third.

Winger Tahjae Welch failed to connect with a free header from a corner at the back post, Tuzo saved Kneiko Richardson’s effort from outside of the box, while Shakeem Albouy sliced Richardson’s inviting cross wide.

Tuzo then saved a shot from Walker after a moment of applause was observed for late St George’s and Bermuda player Osagi Bascome, whose funeral was held on the same day.

The Social Club goalkeeper also rushed off his line to punch the ball away from the lurking Albouy and then brilliantly tipped Samuel McKittrick’s thunderbolt from outside of the box over the bar.

Parish’s relentless pressure finally paid off after Outerbridge controlled Walker’s short pass in the box and beat Tuzo from close range at the near post.

Tuzo and Williams were then sent off shortly before Parris equalised for Social Club from the penalty spot after McKittrick handled in the box.

Parish regained the lead immediately at the start of the second half, Richardson burying Walker’s low cross after being afforded time and space in the danger zone.

The visitors suffered another setback when Richardson was sent off for a second booking for unsporting behaviour.

Still, they nearly extended their lead when Walker’s shot was cleared off the line by Social Club defender Kelvon Butterfield.

The hosts also went close to grabbing a late equaliser when forward Akim Johnston’s shot from a partial clearance was cleared off the line.

Parish were further reduced to eight-man when Walker picked up a second yellow card and was sent off.

However, Social Club were still unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage as Parish held on to the final whistle.

SCORERS

Young Men’s Social Club: R Parris 45+4 (pen)

Hamilton Parish: J Outerbridge 38, K Richardson 46

TEAMS

Young Men’s Social Club (4-1-4-1): S Tuzo 7 – C Woolridge 5 (sub: J Mallory, 55 min 5) A Samuels 5, T Butterfield 5, K Butterfield 5 – G Butterfield 5 (sub: S Pearman, 55 5) – R Parris 7, A Johnston 7, C Darrell 5 (sub: N Armstrong, 66 5), A Matthews 5 – M Young 5 (sub: N Williams, 55 5). Substitutes not used: Z Friesen, B Swan. Booked: Darrell, Woolridge. Sent off: Tuzo (45+2)

Hamilton Parish (4-3-3): P Tohill 7 – J Bean 7, K Wade 7, J Williams 7, R Richardson 7 – S McKittrick 7, S Albouy 7, K Richardson 7 – J Outerbridge 7, T Welch 7, M Walker 7. Substitutes not used: J Steede, J Hunt-Tucker, E Furbert, Z Wolffe -Sampson. Booked: Wade, Richardson, Walker, Outerbridge, Williams. Sent off: Williams (45+2), Richardson (53), Walker (90+1)

Referee: D Jackson.