Tivoli Gardens Rohan Reid shields the ball away from August Town's Jerome Wedderburn (left) in Red Stripe Premier League action earlier this season. - Ian Allen

August Town extended their unbeaten run when they battled to an exciting 2-2 draw against Tivoli Gardens as the third and final stage of the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) got under way at the Edward Seaga Complex in west Kingston yesterday.

The Baris Johnson-coached August Town continued their solid display in the league, but settled for their sixth draw in the last seven games.

The visitors took the lead when Tivoli's veteran goalkeeper Edsel 'Robbie' Scott failed to hold a cross from the right side and August Town's midfielder Jerome Wedderburn to head home in the 15th minute.

a bit controversial

Tivoli picked up the tempo and equalised courtesy of a goal by former national midfielder Keammar 'Dada' Daley in the 29th minute. Daley beat August Town custodian Devon 'Bats' Haughton from close range.

The goal was, however, a bit controversial as FIFA female referee Cardela Samuels had first pointed to the penalty spot for a hand ball, but assistant referee Stacey-Ann Grayson indicated that the ball had already crossed the line.

In the second half, Tivoli took the lead when the in-form André McFarlane beat Haughton with a header. However, August Town showed resilience and fought back with a goal courtesy of substitute Davion Alves in the 77th minute.

It was a fair result as both teams played some good football that excited the spectators.

August Town remain at the bottom of the 12-team standings on 23 points, while Tivoli Gardens pushed to 31 points and stay in fifth position.

early goal

Coach of Tivoli Gardens, Glendon 'Admiral' Bailey, was not pleased with the result.

"I am not pleased with the result as we conceded a soft early goal because of a blunder by our goalie. We gave August Town too much room," Bailey said.

"However, a point is better than a loss. We have to give thanks for the point," Bailey added.

Meanwhile, Baris Johnson, coach of August Town, said it was a fair result. "I think it was a fantastic game for the spectators with lots of excitement. However, the officiating was a bit disappointing as the game was stopped too regularly," Johnson said.

"We wanted to start off the final preliminary stage on a win to move up, but that did not happen. The players stuck to the task and they are understanding how to play," Johnson added.

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS

Tivoli Gardens 2 August Town 2

Arnett Gardens 0 Rivoli 0

TODAY'S GAME

Humble Lion vs Cavalier SC at Effortville Community Centre, May Pen, Clarendon at 8:30 p.m.