A costly goalkeeping blunder from Kirk Porter of Boys’ Town and an outstanding one by Sanchez Lloyd of Humble Lion kept Boys’ Town in the relegation zone following their 1-1 draw at the closing stage of the Red Stripe Premier League preliminary match at Collie Smith Drive on Thursday.

Hunting nothing less than a win, Peter Keys put Boys’ Town ahead after just six minutes of play. Humble Lion, who were also in the drop zone, redoubled their effort to hold the home team to their narrow lead for the next 39 minutes in the half with some timely interception.

Humble Lion returned more determined for the second session but so were Boys’ Town, who were not allowed the same freedom of play that they generated in the first half.

The pace of the game started to take its toll on the legs of Boys’ Town’s players as they were not as fast to the ball as they were earlier, although they were able to force the save of the game from Lloyd, who rose majestically to palm over the bar a dipping long-range shot from deep in their half.

That save added some pep in the step to Humble Lion’s drive for the equaliser that arrived in minute 67 from Hugh Howell. The former Waterhouse standout deep-lying midfielder got to the ball fastest after Porter had fumbled and drove home.

With Portmore United’s loss to Waterhouse, Humble Lion secured safety on 39 points that leave Boys’ Town, who play neighbours Arnett Gardens tomorrow, in their final game.

A loss here for Boys’ Town could be catastrophic, as should Portmore win, the Red Brigade will return to the lower division.

Teams: Boys’ Town — Kirk Porter, High Evans, Victor Thompson, Carlos Wright, Marvin Stewart, Daemon Benjamin, Michael Campbell, Kevin Blackwood, Andre Dawson (Anthony Dawes 78th), Rafiek Thomas (Garfield Gillispie 76th), Peter Keys

Subs not used: L Goffe, R Clarke, S Edwards, C Dixon, R Scott

Booked: None

Humble Lion — Sanchez Lloyd, Ajuran Brown, Omando McLoud, Hugh Howell, Richard Campbell, Romain Barnes, Wolry Wolfe, Jermaine Christian, Denzil Watson (Kemeil Wolfe 56th) Jermaine Fletcher, Sean Coleman (Fabian Pacs 89th)

Subs not used: D Crooks, S Campbell, A Bennett, O Brown

Booked: Fletcher (56th)

Referee: Courtney Campbell

Assistant Referees: Keel Power, Melvin Rid

Fourth Official: Doyen Timings

Match Commissary: James Pearson