By Anthony Minott, Freelance Writer

Newland FC's Lancelot Williams (foreground) comes under a strong challenge from Original Hazard's Daniel Rose during a Super Plus South Central Confederation Super League match at the Racing playing field in Gregory Park, Portmore, on Saturday. The game ended 0-0. - Anthony Minott

Newland Football Club missed out on an opportunity to get close to the leaders in Group B of the Super Plus South Central Confederation Super League after playing to a goalless draw with Group A contenders Original Hazard in a cross-group fixture at the Racing playing field on Saturday.

However, interim coach of Newland FC, Desmond Green, was not too perturbed by the result.

"It could have been better but I have to give thanks for the point. We decided as a team that we needed the three points but we didn't get it," coach Green said, while adding that they are hurting because they don't have a natural striker.

Newland have themselves to blame as they dominated possession in the first half through the likes of Teofilo Thomas, Lancelot Williams, schoolboy Conrad White, overlapping wing back Sasha Welsh and man of the match, defensive midfielder Dean 'Tallman' Reid. But Newland were unable to score due to stalwart defensive work by Hazard's Barrington Blake and inept shooting in front of goal by their attackers.

Original Hazard from Clarendon came into their own in the second half which opened up the game nicely, but they too could not capitalise on their chances.

Hazard goalkeeper Carlton Howell has his lucky stars to thank after a shot from Kimalie Williams grazed his crossbar and went out of play.

Hazard could see themselves as unfortunate as close to the end of the game Maverick Campbell kicked over the crossbar from close range even though Newland custodian Donovan Wright was on the ground.

"Hard-fought game, I think the game was evenly contested. Overall I'm happy with the point," Vassell Reynolds, coach of Original Hazard, said.

Hazard moved to nine points from five games, while Newland inched to seven points from six games.

The other scheduled match between Value P and joint leaders Sporting Central was not played because Value P of St. Elizabeth has withdrawn from the competition.