Coach of title aspirants Waterhouse FC, Calvert Fitzgerald, and his rival at Rivoli United FC, Harold Thomas, expressed disappointment in their teams’ 0-0 draw in the as the new season of the Red Stripe Premier League got underway yesterday.

In what was expected to be a competitive match at the Spanish Town Prison Oval, it turned out to be a physical contest marked by numerous fouls.

As a result, the referee was busy dishing out yellow cards to both teams during the match.

For Waterhouse, Oshane Roberts (28th minute), Jermaine Anderson (49th minute), and Nicholy Finlayson (76th minute) were cautioned, while Dainel Roberts (31st minute), Raymond Williamson (68th minute) and Captain Fabian Gordon (73rd minute) were cautioned for Rivoli United.

Fitzgerald, who coached Rivoli United last season, said that he was not satisfied with his team’s performance.

“The performance by Waterhouse today (yesterday) was flat… it was very flat. Rivoli came and they really put up a good fight. They were determined that we weren’t going to win today (yesterday), and they just did that,” he said.

His opposite number, Thomas, said it was a bitter-sweet result for him.

“It was a workman-like performance by Rivoli today (yesterday)… we weren’t at our best as this is our first match in nine months and we have some work to do, but we are up to the task,” he said.

Rivoli United started the game more focused as they had more ball possession, but failed to capitalise on that.

Waterhouse, who started a bit shaky, went the closest to open the scoring in the 18th minute, but Anderson watched as his powerful freekick from 25 yards went flying over the crossbar.

— Ruddy Allen