Clarke strikes late to rescue point for Saint Kitts & Nevis

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts – Saint Kitts and Nevis maintained their unbeaten record in League C Group B with a 1-1 draw against Saint Martin after a dramatic late equalizer at Warner Park.

In their previous match against Aruba, Saint Kitts were happy to let the opponents hold much of
the possession, but this time around they maintained control of the ball in the early going. But Saint Martin grew into the game as the first half wore on, and ultimately it was the visitors who struck first.

Pierre-Bertrand Arne snuck behind the Sugar Boyz back line and found himself with miles of space in the 34th minute. Arne chipped Saint Kitts and Nevis GK Julani Archibald to give the
roadside a 1-0 lead.

Things very nearly got worse for Saint Kitts after 49 minutes had passed. Yannick Chevalier beat the offside trap again, but his shot was slowed by Archibald and cleared off the line by
Ordell Fleming. Archibald quickly got up and made a great save on Arne’s second attempt to keep the deficit to one.

Saint Kitts would push to get back into the game, and the moment finally came right at the death thanks to Kalonji Clarke’s 93rd minute strike.

His left-footed curling effort rescued a huge point for the Sugar Boyz and sent Warner Park into a frenzy.

This result means that Aruba and Saint Kitts now sit tied atop Group B with four points each (Aruba currently leads on goal differential), while Saint Martin are third with two points. There will be a lot to play for when this group resumes in March.