A late goal by substitute Newton Sterling earned Arnett Gardens a 1-1 draw with FC Reno in their Red Stripe Premier League match at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex yesterday.

Roshane Sharpe gave the visiting FC Reno the lead in the 17th minute from the penalty spot after goalkeeper Damian Hyatt fouled Afiba Chambers, who had beaten the offside trap.

But the towering Sterling, who replaced Michaelos Martin in the 78th minute, powered home a header from a Renae Lloyd free kick in the 84th minute.

It was a very good point for an Arnett Gardens team lacking confidence at the moment, and it came off back-to-back defeats to Montego Bay United last week.

The hosts lacked verve and style and gave their handful of supporters that turned up nothing much to cheer about, despite getting chances to win the game.

The former champions stayed in sixth position on 19 points and Coach Jerome Waite admitted that his team was off-track yesterday.

“We lapsed in defence which resulted in a penalty early, but outside of that the Reno team didn’t put up much fight,” declared Waite.

He continued: “It’s disheartening when we draw a game like this at home, but it is a storm that we are continuing to weather and in the end, Sterling came from the bench and got that equaliser.”

Waite also pointed out that his team played two games in four days recently, where they travelled to Montego Bay twice, and that has taken its toll on his players.

“It’s my duty to make sure these players don’t overtrain. We looked a little lethargic, but we have another week to prepare ourselves,” he explained.

Meanwhile, FC Reno, who must be disappointed with the share of the points after leading for most of the game, remained in seventh spot on 17 points.

Head Coach Wendell Downswell was fairly satisfied with the point.

“Tactically, I think we played well, but we gave up a goal late and for that we are disappointed,” Downswell admitted.

He continued: “Coming to Arnett and getting a point is good for us, although we were hoping to have got all three points by virtue of how stout-heartedly we defended. However, we are happy that we got a point on the road, having lost our last game at home.”

In other games, Jamalco defeated fellow newcomers Maverley/Hughenden 2-1, UWI edged Waterhouse 1-0, and Tivoli Gardens blanked struggling Boys’ Town 4-0. The game between Humble Lion and Portmore United was postponed due to a wagerlogged field. Defending champions Montego Bay United were down to face Harbour View in the late game at Compound.

Teams: Arnett Gardens — Damian Hyatt, Oneil Thompson, Jamar Martin, Ranike Anderson, Jason Moore (Leon Strickland 63rd), Renae Lloyd, Shawn McKoy, Neicko Williams (Damari Deacon 68th), Fabian Reid, Marvin Morgan, Michaelos Martin (Newton Sterling 78th)

Subs not used: Carlloyd Walters, Dicoy Williams, Lennox Russell, Kemal Malcolm

Booked: Hyatt (14th)

FC Reno — Dennis Taylor, Jashane Foster (Yasser Bacchas 49th), Kavar Walker (Leonard Rankine 79th), Rondel Morris, Omar Johnson, Alburn Facey, Afiba Chambers (Maliki Reid 67th), Neville Morgan, Shamar Bernard, Renario Downswell, Romario Smith

Subs not used: Ackeem Brown, Michael Samuels, Junior Neil, Romero Graham

Booked: Morgan (25th), (Reid 80th)

Referee: Weston Costly

Assistant Referees: Melvin Reid, Ojay Duhaney

Fourth Official: Graffique King

Match Commissary: Michael Ricketts