Boulevard 1

Somerset Trojans 1It was supposed to be the clash of the titans.

Instead, Saturday’s Premier Division top-of-the-table contest involving league leaders Boulevard and ten-men Somerset Trojans proved to be another one of those matches you want to quickly forget.

God save Bermuda football.

On a night of scrappy play that had more interruptions than the final two minutes of an NBA play off game, Blazers and Trojans both received exactly what their over cautious approach deserved — a stalemate.

But while Trojans — reduced to playing with ten-men after key cog Stephen Astwood was sent off in the 25th minute for allegedly cursing — might have left BAA Field on Saturday night somewhat satisfied, Boulevard were probably kicking themselves for squandering golden opportunities that could have given them maximum points.

Instead of capitalising, Blazers choked when opportunity came knocking at the door.

Striker Wolde Place inexplicably lifted a shot over the bar from point-blank range, while veteran Dwight (Payback) Warren dragged a right-footed shot wide after turning his marker inside out at the top of the box.

But thanks to a little luck, or perhaps divine intervention, Blazers were finally rewarded for their relentless pressure when Conneko Trott’s exploratory diagonal lob dipped over the head of Trojan’s custodian Timmy Figureido into the roof of the net.

The goal sent Blazers’ fans into a frenzy. But in truth it was always just a matter of time before Trojans — who did well to match their opponents despite their numerical disadvantage — would come storming back.

And coach Dennis Brown’s half-time tongue -lashing and minor tactical adjustments just might have done the trick as the West Enders hit back early in the second half — aided by some sloppy ‘keeping on behalf of Blazers’ ‘keeper Michael Higgs.

After wriggling his way down the middle, Trojans forward Adolphus Lambert directed a low shot on goal which Higgs could only parry into the path of Dion Stovell who buried his shot at the near post.

At this juncture one might have figured game on. . . not!

Seemingly intent to hold on for the draw, both teams were limited to a few chances in the second half as their defences put up the shutters.

And other than Lamual Crofton’s snap-shot that was plucked out of the air by a well-positioned Figureido, the only other thing worth mentioning in the second half was referee Jenny Villamarin — who might have outdrawn Clint Eastwood in a shootout armed with a whistle.

Far too many times the Ecuadorian referee blew the play dead for soft fouls, which only served to take away from a match that really had draw written all over it from the opening kick off.

Boulevard: M.Higgs, J.Payne, Jah.Samuels, Jahmarley Samuels, C.Matthews (K.Butterfield, 80 mins), A.Simmons, C.Simmons, C.Trott, L.Crofton, D.Warren, W.Place (T.Walker, 72 mins).

Somerse>: T.Figureido, R.Scott, M.Butterfield, S.Simmons, D.Minors, J.Scott, S.Riley, D.Swan (D.Basden, 62 mins), S.Astwood, D.Stovell (R.Wilson, 70 mins), A.Lambert.

Yellow car$> Jahmarley Samuels, C.Simmons, L.Crofton (Boulevard); R.Scott, R.Wilson (Somerset).

Men of the ma<$>: Jahmah Samuels; Sean Simmons (Somerset).

Referee: Jenny Villamarin.