Local team battles for draw in first NZ game

(CIFA) Despite dominating much of the play and creating a plethora of chances, Bodden Town Football Club of the Cayman Islands had to settle for a goalless draw against Singapore Under 23 National Team at the Trusts Arena. Swirling winds and a stubborn opponent frustrated the reigning Cayman Islands Football Association Premier League champions. In his post game assessment Head Coach Elbert Mclean said, “We played well but I think we should have won.” Bodden Town created the more significant chances from the opening whistle with Ricoh Brown having the first clear shot on goal in the third minute.

Bodden Town’s best chance of the opening half came in the 15th minute when Theron Wood hit the upright with a curling free kick. Singapore also had their chances, but goalkeeper and captain Ramon Sealy was equal to the task at every stage.

Coach Mclean heaped praise on his players however:
“Sealy was excellent he always gives us 150 percent,” said Mclean. Sealy was called to make crucial saves in the second half, denying the Singaporeans on several clear cut goal scoring chances. In the 67th Singapore’s Shamil Sharif collected a pass from Stanely NG in space and blasted a venomous shot at the Bodden Town goal, but Sealy’s made a magical reflex save to keep the clean sheet.

Bodden Town collect one point from the draw and move on to face local champions Auckland City FC on Friday. Looking ahead to that encounter , Coach Mclean said the team’s objective is clear. “We are going for the three points.”

Auckland City FC tops Group A with 3 points, ahead of Bodden Town and Singapore.

See the full match on video here