Late Tomlinson equalizer earns Grenades first point in Concacaf Caribbean Cup

By Neto Baptiste

Substitute Sean Tomlinson scored in the dying moments of their Concacaf Caribbean Cup Group B clash against AC Port of Spain to help Antigua and Barbuda’s Grenades FC pick up their first point in two matches, pulling off a 1-1 draw against the Trinidad professional outfit at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad on Tuesday night.

Tomlinson, who came on as an 84th minute replacement for Sherman Augustin, headed home a cross off the edge of the six yards box in the fifth minute of added time to help the Sandals/Inet- sponsored Grenades team steal a point from the defending champions.

Tomlinson’s strike nullified a 21st minute conversion from Shackiel Smek Henry that gave AC Port of the Spain the advantage in the first half.

The scoreline was however, not a reflection of the number of scoring opportunities created by both teams throughout the contest, included two saved penalties, one for either team.

Early in the second half, Grenades captain, Quinton Griffith, had his effort from the penalty spot saved by substitute goalkeeper Marvin Phillip in minute 53, while Grenades’ Zaieem Scott denied AC Port of Spain’ Duane Muckette with a brilliant diving save to his left just seven minutes later.

Tomlinson was denied in the 85’ by Phillip, who stretched out to secure the ball on a one-on-one chance.

Grenades, despite picking up a point, sits at the bottom of the standings after their two showings having lost to Cibao FC 2-1 in their opening match contested late August.

Grenades will take on Ouanaminthe FC out of the Dominican Republic on September 24.