Barbican FC and Rivoli United battled to a hard-fought 1-1 draw in their Red Stripe Premier League encounter at the Barbican Complex yesterday.

It was a result that did little for either team as Barbican remained at the bottom of the league on 21 points, while Rivoli United’s play-off hopes took a dent as they remained in sixth spot on 33 points.

A sumptuous volley by Jermaine Parris against the run of play in the 36th minute looked the winner for Barbican, but Kemar Beckford earned a share of the points for Rivoli United in the 62nd minute after a neat build-up.

The Calvert Fitzgerald-coached Rivoli United came out of the blocks flying and hit the crossbar twice in the very first minute, but had to thank their goalkeeper Shannon Bartley who was quick off his line.

But despite dominating possession and bossing the game, the Spanish Town-based Rivoli went behind to a wonderful strike from Parris. Barbican had earned a free kick on the left just inside Rivoli’s half and Andrew Christie’s free kick rebounded to Parris, who flicked the ball to himself, and in one motion, swivelled and fired a beautiful volley past the outstretched hands of Bartley in goal.

But just when Barbican began to play better they conceded in the 62nd minute as Beckford won a ball in the middle of the park and played a neat one-two with Cory Burke that totally opened up the Barbican backline before firing home.

Barbican coach Marvin Tate revealed that the financial constraints had taken its toll on the club.

“The club is really struggling in terms of financing… we have to be going full-time to get these players motivated,” he added.

Meanwhile, Rivoli United coach Fitzgerald was a bit disappointed after watching his team dominate.

“I thought we had the opportunity to win the game from the first half, but we went down to a very good goal from the Barbican team… I think we lost two points instead of gaining one point because we had the game to win,” he said.

Meanwhile, leaders Arnett Gardens, on 45 points, suffered a shock 0-2 defeat to Sporting Central Academy at Juici Park in Clarendon. Kemar Reid netted both goals in the 13th and 79th minutes as Sporting Central climbed out of the relegation zone into ninth spot on 24 points.

It was a good day for Clarendon teams as Humble Lion edged Reno 1-0 courtesy of a late Wolry Wolfe strike in the 90+2 minutes. It was Humble Lion’s seventh win from their last eight games and moved them provisionally into fourth spot on 35 points. Reno, who were suffering their 12th defeat of the season, slipped to 11th spot on 21 points.

Teams:

Barbican — Ashek Taylor, Mario McDonald, Akino Bailey, Ramone McGregor, Jermaine Parris, Andrew Christie (Steve Green, 66th), Keno Simpson (Bebeto McDonald 65th), Shaquille Lewis, Nicholas Smith, Okive Blake, Lennox Russell (Dean Phillips 76th).

Subs not used: Shaven Paul, Jamohy Green, Steven Smith, Kemar Thomas.

Booked: None

Coach: Marvin Tate

Rivoli United: Shannon Bartley, Kevin Graham, Troy Moulton, Jermaine Henry, Keith Wright, Jermey Nelson, Davion Garrison (Daniel Roberts 76th), Kemar Bennett, Ross Burton,  Cory Burke, Kemar Beckford.

Subs not used: Jovell Plunkett, Fabian Gordon, Zavian Williams, Kenny Lee, Valentine Gardener, Shane Watson.

Booked: None

Coach: Calvert Fitzgerald

Referee: Dwight Royal

Assistant referees: Kedlee Powell, Melvin Reid

Fourth Official: Leon Brown

Match Commissary: James Pearson

— Howard Walker