Three stunning late saves resulted in Merle Grove High School and St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) ending goalless in their ISSA schoolgirl league match at Bumper Hall playfield on Wednesday.

The drawn affair moved STATHS to nine points in third position, while Merl Grove moved to six points, but remain in fifth.

With the exception of midfielder Latoya Sanchez and Ashli Smithe of Merl Grove and Venissa Williams and Arianna Martin of STATHS, there was not much in terms of fireworks. However, despite lacking in some of the basics, the teams must be applauded for their commitment.

In an affair that could have gone either way, Merl Grove goalkeeper Sodyan Shields in the eigth and 10th minutes came up big to deny STATHS, while her opposite T-Anna West flung herself at the feet of an attacker to stifle what appeared to be a certain goal after play had rapidly switched ends.

As early as the 12th minute STATHS drew a penalty, but their top marksman from last season, Venissa Williams, missed from the spot. She wasted another golden opportunity five minutes later when she failed to capitalise on a clear-cut chance.

“It was a game that we should have won… the girls did try and showed that with time they will improve. Notwithstanding, they should be congratulated for a notable effort and prepare to do much better next time,” said STATHS coach Conroy O’Mally.

Opposing coach, Adrian Kitson, said: While a point is not such a bad result, my disappointment is that they (my players) played below expectation… we can play much better than we did today (but) the girls just have to believe in themselves.”

— Hurbun Williams