The championship celebrations of St Peter’s Bay Road View have been put on hold.
The Northerners conceded a late goal and had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Claytons Kola Tonic Notre Dame in the Cave Shepherd Division 2 football play-offs at the National Stadium on Thursday night.
Notre Dame went into the match requiring a victory after Road View mauled Parish Land 5-0 on Monday night, but made their already complex task a bit more difficult.
In the sixth minute, the skilful Norris Broomes broke free and, in the midst of four Dames defenders, went down in the area, leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot.
Damien Williams confidently stepped up to score the spot kick, blasting his shot to the right of custodian Carlisle Gill who guessed correctly but stood no chance of stopping the goal.
Notre Dame pressed for the equalizer persistently but Road View defended collectively and with nine behind the ball each time, used the counter attack as their prime weapon.
Road View’s captain Llewelyn Broomes led by example with a commanding performance, showing composure in tight situations and producing crunching tackles which delighted the large North posse.
Broomes and former national defender Elvin Griffith combined well to protect custodian Adrian Small who had a nerve-racking time.
The Dames attack seemed to lack cohesion, as their attackers opted to dribble most of the time when clear passing options were available.
Notre Dame equalised in the 82nd minute through forward Decarlo Jemmott.
Small completely misjudged a long throw into the box and Jemmott volleyed the bouncing ball into the net to level the score.
Both teams had the chance to grab the winner at the end but resolute defending ensured the score would remain.
Notre Dame now need to defeat Parish Land United on Monday by six clear goals if they are to be champions of Division 2.
Should they fail to do so, St Peter’s Bay Road View would be the winners of this division.
In the first match, Blackspurs bounced back from their opening defeat of the Arawak Cement Division 3 play-offs with a combative 2-0 victory over neighbours Deacons.
Deacons fell behind in the 45th, after a moment of misfortune when teenager Antone Corbin turned the ball into his own net.
Left-sided midfielder Ricardo Griffith tightened Spurs’ grip on the match with a fantastic left-foot drive from just outside the area into the far corner in the 69th minute.
