Toothless Chapelton, Racing end goalless

Racing United and Phoenix Chapelton Maroons played out a goalless Legend Jamaica Premier League (JPL) Monday Night Football encounter yesterday at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.

Despite creating several scoring opportunities, neither team could find the breakthrough and were forced to settle for a share of the points.

Racing head coach Densill Theobald said his players lacked the cutting edge in the final third that was needed to secure all three points.

“I thought we lacked the cutting edge to come out with the three points tonight. But I’ll give the boys credit, too, as well. They stuck in, they worked hard, and unfortunately, it didn’t go our way,” Theobald said.

“We created much more chances in the second half than the first half, but we didn’t capitalise on the chances we created in the second half,” he continued.

“When you look at the cutting edge in the final third from our trio, I think more was needed.”

Chapelton started the brighter of the two teams and came close to breaking the deadlock in the opening exchanges.

A counterattack found Damoi Whitfield in space, but he was forced wide by the advancing goalkeeper and his effort was cleared off the line by Jimoy Jones.

Chapelton continued to press, and Nathaniel Howe had the next clear opportunity, but his curling effort from outside the box drifted wide of the target.

Racing gradually grew into the contest and Jones almost opened the scoring with a back-post header that brushed the side netting.

The hosts came close again before half-time when a shot from Justin Dunn forced a save from goalkeeper Ashieke Swearing and the loose ball had to be cleared off the line, with Nickyle Ellis inches away from applying the finishing touch.

However, the best chance of the opening half fell to Ranaldo Biggs, who should have put Racing ahead.

Tajay Grant delivered a ball into the area and Ellis’ initial effort was blocked by the Chapelton defence.

The loose ball then fell kindly for Biggs, whose header was saved by Swearing, who was quick off his line to smother the danger.

Chapelton felt they should have been awarded a penalty early in the second half following a collision between Whitfield and Swearing inside the area, but the referee ruled it a fair challenge.

Better chances

Racing created the better chances after the break but were unable to find the final touch needed to break the deadlock.

Just after the hour mark, Andrew Campbell surged down the flank and delivered a dangerous ball across the face of goal, but there were no Racing attackers on hand to convert.

The match ended in controversy as Chapelton were reduced to 10 men when goalkeeper Prince-Daniel Smith was shown two yellow cards within seconds for separate acts of dissent.

The decision angered Chapelton manager Craig Butler, who said it marred an otherwise entertaining contest.

“I think, this game, both teams played a very good game. Unfortunately, the game was marred by extremely poor and unfair refereeing,” Butler said after the match.

“The game is nil-all and our goalkeeper, in the dying moments of the game, is seeking to get a long kick over, so spots the ball for the centre back to kick it, and he gives him a yellow card,” he continued.

“Then he gives him a second yellow card, not for saying anything, but for [making a gesture] with his hand.”

With the result, Racing remain third in the JPL standings on 17 points, while Chapelton sit 10th on 10.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com