BOYS’ Town coach Andrew Price has all but given up on the title chase after his team could only muster a 1-1 draw with Arnett Gardens in their Red Stripe Premier League encounter at Collie Smith Complex yesterday.

Boys’ Town started the day in fourth spot on 53 points, the same as second- and third-placed teams Portmore United and Waterhouse, but nine points adrift of leaders Harbour View on 62 and following their latest setback, Price has basically given up.

“It is going to be very difficult at this time to win the Premier League. We had to treat each game as a must-win game and dropping two points today… so it will be very difficult to catch Harbour View,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Boys’ Town opened the scoring in the 18th minute after Anthowe Dawkins controlled a ball in the box and was caught in possession by Renae Lloyd, whom he later fouled and referee Valdin Legister quickly pointed to the spot.

Centre back Nicholas McMorris converted from the spot kick even as goalkeeper Damion Hyatt got a hand to the ball.

But Arnett responded and Leon Strickland pounced in the 33rd minute after goalkeeper Kirk Porter failed to gather Ricardo Oldham’s 25-yard shot.

However, Arnett would lose defender Desmond Breakenridge in the 81st minute after picking up his second yellow card, but they managed to hold on for a point.

Boys’ Town inched to 54 points and temporarily moved into second, while Arnett Gardens stayed fifth on 52 points and head coach Calvin Lewis was clearly disappointed.

“We are disappointed because we wanted the three points, but it’s an away fixture and we came here and got a point out of the game. I think we are a bit unlucky, we should have been given a penalty in the second half but I am pretty happy with the point right now,” said Lewis.

TEAMS:

Boys’ Town: Kirk Porter, Nicholas McMorris, Wayne Ellis, Hugh Evans, Ricardo Dennis, Daemion Benjamin, Renae Lloyd, Marvin Stewart (Garfield Gillespie 67th), Michael Campbell (Adrian King 87th), Marvin Morgan, Shane Edwards (Jermaine Allen 60th).

Subs not used: Leon Goffe, Asrick Samuels, Khalil Johnson, Richard Clarke.

Booked: Gillespie 79th.

Arnett Gardens: Damian Hyatt, Dwayne Gaynor, Anthowe Dawkins, Desmond Breakenridge, Keneil Hyde, Oneil Thompson, Ricardo Oldham (Kemal Malcolm 72nd), Fabian Reid (Jabeur Johnson 88th), Vishinul Harris (Jason Moore 67th)

Subs not used: Peter Harrison, Errol Stevens, Newton Sterling, Andrew Phang.

Booked: Dawkins 18th, Breakenridge 60th & 81st (red)

Referee: Valdin Legister

Assistant Referees: Lloyd Reader, Oyinco

McTaggart

Fourth Official: Wilverglen Lamey

Match Commissary: Horace Lewis