Rivoli United's Devon Hodges puts his foot on the ball as he is tackled from behind by Arnett Gardens' Desmond Breakenridge, during their Digicel Premier League football match at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex yesterday. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Arnett Gardens and Rivoli United played to a one-all scoreline in their Digicel Premier League football match at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex yesterday.

A seventh-minute stike by Leon Strickland gave Arnett Gardens the lead, but Barrington Planter cancelled out that goal with one of his own in the 86th minute.

Late equaliser

After the late equaliser, supporters of the home team started leaving the venue in a huff.

It was a very physical en-counter that had referee Kevin Thomas issuing eight yellow cards, four to either team. Apart from the rough play, there were periods of good football with Arnett players Nicholas Dodd, Leon Strickland, Newton Sterling and Loxley Thomas creating problems for the Rivoli defence in the first half, which ended one-nil.

On resumption, it was the Rivoli team, through the likes of Barrington and Ricardo Planter, Luke Soares and Davion Foster who replaced Derrick Planter, which took the game to the home team.

Strong defence

Arnett's defence, held together by veteran Desmond Breaken-ridge, was breached by Planter, after the league's leading scorer, Devon Hodges, although closely marked, passed the ball to Planter, who scored his first goal for the season.

Rivoli's coach, Bradley Stewart, was pleased with the result.

"We played well and to get a point is really encouraging; both teams played well. It was a tough match, however, we are thankful for the result."

Player/coach of Arnett Gar-dens, Fabian Davis, blamed a lack of concentration for the result.

"We were expecting three points. However, a lapse in concentration caused us two points. That's how it is."

The result took Rivoli to 24 points, while Arnett ended the round on 29.