Noelita Lawrence-Ricketts
For the first time in three seasons, St. James’ Real MoBay have gained a point on the opening day of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF)/Lascelles Employees and Partners Co-operations Credit Union Women’s Football League, playing out a 1-1 draw with newcomers Real Mona at Butter Cup Park.
Dannique Wilson, with a sensational 35 yards lob over the head of the advancing goalkeeper, had given the Real MoBay team a sensational start, netting the opener just five minutes in.
Real MoBay could have easily won the encounter, but were wasteful infront of goal with bad decisions.
The St. James side conceded the equalizer midway the opening half, when the home team through Dana Whyte, who let fly on the volley from some 40 yards, after a goalkeeping distribution went horrible wrong.
Meanwhile, Trelawny, the other Western team showcasing their talents, made a losing start to the campaign, falling by the odd goal in three (2-1) to Royal Lakes, formerly Monarch SC.
Danielle Cummings found what was at the time the equalizing goal for Trelawny in the 70th minute after Kenesha Ferron with a brace gave the Royal Lakes team full points with the winner coming in the 73rd minute.
Last year’s beaten finalists, Cavaliers and Arnett Gardens, were the day’s only winners.
Defending champions Waterhouse also failed to seal a win and were held 1-1 by Olympic Gardens at the Drewsland Mini Stadium.
The teams will be back in action come Wednesday when another full slate of matches are played.
Real MoBay, searching for an opening win and a first in five games dating back to last season, will again be travelling, this time to Cling Cling Oval where they are down to tackle the home team, Olympic Gardens.
The other Western challengers, Trelawny, contest their first home game of the campaign, locking horns with one of the debutants, Real Mona, at the Elleston Wakeland Centre, beginning at 3:30 p.m. In other games, Royal Lakes tackle Waterhouse.