Barbican FC opened their introduction to the Red Stripe Premier League with a 1-1 draw against Boys’ Town at Collie Smith Drive yesterday.

Playing positive football in the opening half, Barbican took the lead in the 41st minute through Lennox Russell, formerly of Arnett Gardens. They, however, fell victim to some high-press play from Boys’ Town at the start of the second half and gave up a goal in minute 52nd scored by Garfield Gillespie after goalkeeper Ashek Taylor fumbled a piercing close range header from striker Andre Dawson.

Both coaches — Andrew Price of Boys’ Town and Junior Francis of Barbican — thought their teams had done enough to come away with full points. “It was quite noticeable that we have to work on our finishing and some phase play to build our confidence going into the remainder of the season,” said Francis.

Boys’ Town also picked up their first point of the season after two games, but coach Price lamented the fact that “it was unfortunate for us not to get all three points”.

“We created the opportunities to numerous goals, but we just lacked that cutting edge about our play in front of goal. However, I must say that our season started pretty late so we are not as fit as we would want to be, but we showed improvement on our last game as we finished the game much stronger than Barbican did,” Price said.

Teams:

Boys Town FC — Kirk Porter, Hugh Evans, Carlos Wright, Asrick Samuels, Xavian Virgo (Rohan Scott 64), Daemon Benjamin, Garfield Gillespie, Marvin Stewart (Trevin Garnett 35th), Giovanni Palmer, Peter Keys, Andre Dawson (Pierre McPherson 78th).

Subs not used: C Lloyd, Chavaney Willis, V Thompson, William Richards

Barbican FC — Ashek Taylor, Shamari Shaw (Jamhoy Green 57), Glenford Brown (Julian Nugent 45th), Ramone Mc Gregor, Jermaine Parris (Roy Forbes 74th), Akino Bailey, Shawn Lawes, Omar Walcott, Lennox Russell, Shavon Charlton, Jodaine Redwood.

Subs not used: Kemar Thomas, Steve Green, Nicholas Campbell, Andrew McLeod

Referee: Valdin Legister

Assistant Referees: Stacy-Ann Grayson, Omar Mills

Fourth Official: Oshane Nation

Match Commissary: Andrew Payne

— Hurbun Williams