Not exactly thrilling, but definitely interesting.
Defence Force so mirrored opponents Ma Pau during Friday night's Digicel Pro League feature match that a draw seemed the inevitable conclusion at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Quick attack was matched by stern defence and both keepers had very little to do.
Between them, the teams maybe managed one clear chance and a goal seemed unlikely from any source. Then, Army central defender Devin Jordon cut down speedy Trevin Caesar like a big axe and finally something to shout about. Penalty!
Without hesitating, referee Gordon Maloney pointed to the penalty spot, just as Caesar hit the turf. And industrious midfielder Rennie Britto, the best player on the night, stepped up and hit a powerful spot-kick kick down the centre, giving Ma Pau the lead with ten minutes to go. No chance for keeper Kevin Graham.
Once his boys hit the front, Ma Pau coach Michael McComie was bellowing instructions louder than an agitated version of an English rival Pro League coach.
Defence Force coach Ross Russell then played his last hand, hurriedly bringing on Akil Pierre, after he had also introduced Albert Thornill and Anton Joseph earlier in the second half. Too late.
Russell's action was unable to save the Pro League leaders suffering a second loss this season.
It was widely accepted that Defence Force would win the 2010 Pro League, after running away with the first round. But after victories in their first ten matches of the season, Defence Force have now lost two out of three and dropped eight of a possible nine points at the start of the second round.
Ma Pau (1-0) and Directv North East Stars (2-1) have beaten them and the Army also drew 0-0 with W Connection. However, Defence Force (31 pts) still have an eight-point lead over Ma Pau (23 pts), who leap-frogged Joe Public (22 pts) into second spot.
Joe Public could have moved back into second with victory last night over FC SouthEnd, who they entertained at Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya.
Is this the same Defence Force who won the first round with a 100 per cent record--including beating Tobago United, who have since been thrown out of the league?
Basically, yes, although Russell's non-playing list now includes regulars Richard Roy, Rondell Elcock, Sean Narcis, Kerry Joseph, Keston Williams and, of course, Kevon Carter, who is nursing a broken leg.
Ma Pau's McComie also made the peculiar decision to bench regulars Kevin Molino, Lester "Corn Curls" Peltier, Elton John and Seon Power, who have all been around the national team at some point this year.
Defence Force controlled the early action, before Ma Pau got going late in the first half. The half-chances also fell to the Defence Force.
Newcomer Jemel Seabro had the best chance for the Army in the 15th minute, taking Balondemu Julius's overhead chip in the penalty area and forcing Colombian keeper Alejandro Figueroa to tip away a powerful half-volley.
Figueroa had to be spectacular to stop that one, but was right on spot to comfortably gather the ball when Jahvon Neptune met a corner on the right of the penalty area and shot to goal.
Ma Pau worked industriously and won many free-kicks, but were hardly menacing.
McComie spent much of the half shouting "ref" at Maloney, every time one of his players was infringed. But, "Mike" must have thought Maloney to be a real friend when he blew for the penalty.
Even in defeat, Russell still found a way to laugh at the end and now has the Christmas break to sort out the mini slump which the Pro League champions-apparent seem to be going through.
In Friday’s other match, Jabloteh hammered Police 4-0 with a goal each from Hector Sam, Jamal Jack and Cyrano Glen while Police striker and captain, Noel Williams added an own goal. The win was the second in a row for Jabloteh, now with 19 points.
Teams
Ma Pau SC—Alejandro Figueroa, Lyndon Andrews (capt), Coneal Thomas, Rennie Britto, Elton John, Kerry Noray, Mekeil Williams, Trevin Caesar, Dwayne James (Lester Peltier 73rd), Cyd Gray, Aquil Selby.
Defence Force—Kevin Graham, Corey Rivers (capt) (Yellow), Rawle Fletcher (Yellow), Devin Jordan (Yellow), Balondemu Julius, Kurt Williams (Anton Joseph 70th), Devon Jorsling, Aklie Edwards, Jahvon Neptune (Akil Pierre 83rd), Jemel Seabro (Albert Thornhill 54th).
DIGICEL PRO LEAGUE RESULTS:
Friday, Hasely Crawford Stadium
Ma Pau 1 (Rennie Britto 80' penalty) vs Defence Force 0
San Juan Jabloteh 4 (Hector Sam 7', own goal Noel Williams 32', Jamal Jack 85', Cyrano Glen 86') vs Police FC 0