Spirited fightback saves Reno

Keisha Hill, Staff Reporter

Wendell Downswell, coach of relegation-troubled Reno, lauded his team for its brave and spirited second-half comeback from two goals down away from home to draw with title contenders Waterhouse in, their Cash Plus Premier League match at Drewsland Mini Stadium on Sunday night.

"Overall, we played in good spirits. It was definitely a test of our character and tenacity," said Downswell.

It was a dismal first half for the Reno team, although they valiantly fought off the hard-pressed attacks from the Waterhouse team, stayed third while inching up to 38 points.

As play remained relatively centred in the Reno half, it came as no surprise when Kenardo Forbes propelled his team into the lead in the 42nd minute. Forbes executed a beautiful header from six yards which caught goalkeeper Chad Blair off guard and landed into the net.

Powerful right-foot

Three minutes into the second half, Waterhouse went on the attack again as Jomo Gordon carried the ball from midfield in the 48th minute and hit a powerful right-footed kick to score.

By this time it seemed all was lost for Reno, especially at the 60th minute they were reduced to 10 men after Evan Taylor was given marching orders by referee Oneal Clayton.

However, Reno fought back gallantly and within two minutes Draion McNain scored a soft goal in the 62nd minute courtesy of distracted goalkeeper Preston Smith.

Within three minutes, Reno scored their second goal from a penalty in the 65th minute that was taken by Nyron Davis.

This seemed to have been Reno's wake-up call as for the remainder of the half they dominated and kept Waterhouse on their toes. It was indeed a final leg struggle for Waterhouse, but they were successful in preventing Reno from surging further ahead.

Despite the result, Reno remain on the fringes of relegation at 27 points, fourth from bottom, only a point above resurging Village United and debutants Sporting Central Academy. August Town are last on 21.

"The end result is absolutely and totally disappointing," said Wayne Fairclough, coach of Waterhouse.

"Our concentration dwindled in the second half. After scoring two goals, the team relaxed and although they created numerous opportunities to score, they failed to capitalise on them thus giving Reno the opportunity to score two goals on us," he said.

Waterhouse 2

Kenardo Forbes 42nd

Jomo Gordon 48th

Reno 2

Draion McNain 62nd

Nyron Davis 65th