The coaches of Harbour View and Sporting Central Academy, Donovan Hayles and Donovan Duckie, respectively, said they were quite impressed with the level of maturity demonstrated by their fairly young teams during their 1-1 draw in the opening round of the Digicel Premier League, at the Harbour View Mini Stadium on Sunday.

The game, which was noticeably of a high quality with both teams playing attacking football, saw Harbour View promoting a number of their Under-21 players, who have been reaping success for the club over the years, and Sporting Central utilising several national Under-20 players, who ply their trade at the Clarendon-based club.

Good character

"The fact that they are so young and displayed so much character augurs well for the future of the club," said Hayles, whose starting line-up included forwards Alanzo Adlam and Andre Fagan, midfielders Nicholas Beckett, Richard Edwards, Kemar Lawrence, John-Ross Edwards and defenders Kimorlie Brissett and Montrose Phinn.

"For the age of these players I am happy with the confidence they displayed and if they continue we should have a very good season," he added.

Sporting Central, who narrowly missed relegation last year - said to be caused partly by the absence of several of their players who were involved in Jamaica's unsuccessful bid to qualify for the FIFA Youth World Cup - went a goal up in the 70th minute when forward Francois Swaby netted from close range.

Sterling half-time show

Harbour View, buoyed the St Benedict's marching band, who after providing a sterling half-time show, serenaded spectators throughout, came roaring back and equalised a minute from time through defender Dicoy Williams.

"Fifty per cent of the squad was Under-21 and although I thought we could have done better in terms of ball possession and patience, I thought they quipped themselves well," said Duckie, who was recently hired by the club to replace Chris Dawes, who has been elevated to technical director.

"It's a good platform for us heading into the season where we are expecting greater things," he added.

Harbour View 1

Dicoy Williams 89th

Sporting Central 1

Francois Swaby 70th