REGGAE Youths had their six-game winning start to the St James Football Association/Sandals Resorts International Major League cut after they were held to an exciting 2-2 draw by a wasteful Granville United in their return-round game played at the Urban Development Commission (UDC) Field yesterday.

Granville, who had lost their opening game 4-2 to Reggae Youths before winning their last four games coming into Sunday’s match, gave up an early lead and were down 2-1 before being rescued by an injury-time goal from Dane Franklin.

They had missed a penalty only minutes earlier.

On Saturday, Flanker FC drew level on points with Granville (both on 13) after beating Lilliput Rovers 3-0 at Spot Valley High while Heights FC broke their five-game losing skid to beat Montego Bay Boys Club 6-0 at the UDC Field.

In yesterday’s matchup between the top two teams in the competition, Granville United were forced to make a substitution in the first five minutes of the game after Cion Peterkin picked up an injury and could not continue.

They, however, took the lead in the 20th minute when Andre Tate scored from close range after Reggae Youths failed to clear the ball out of their area.

Sachin Wilmot, however, levelled for Reggae Youths just before the half-time break when he bullied his way past two defenders and beat goalkeeper Loxley Reid from close range.

Reggae Youths were gifted the lead in the 65th minute when Davian Thelwell headed into his own goal from about two yards out.

Granville United earned a penalty in the 80th minute but Gregory Gordon hit the base of the left upright after a lengthy run-up.

They were spared blushes when Franklin’s free kick from about 25 yards just got under the crossbar and goalkeeper Ralon Bernard’s hands in the third minute of added time.

On Saturday, Christopher Reid and Anthony Gooden both scored first-half braces for Heights FC who led 5-0 at the half-time break.

Reid scored in the eighth and 35th minutes, Gooden scored in the 21st and 22nd minutes, while Wade Daley scored one in the 25th minute. Lamar Lincoln also scored in the 62nd minute.

At Spot Valley, Flanker FC led 1-0 at half-time through a penalty kick from Norman Streete in the 12th minute.

Danique Clarke added a second in the 55th minute, and Stephen Hood in the 63rd minute for Flanker FC.