RECAP: MARIEHAMN 0 - 0 VPS Arch Bell - Sunday, July 5, 2009
VPS and IFK Mariehamn played to a lackluster scoreless draw on Sunday evening at Wiklöf Holding Arena in Mariehamn.
Forward Lawrence Smith overcame a bothersome groin injury to start the match and play the full 90 minutes for head coach Petri Vuorinen.
Smith and the VPS offense were limited to just a handful of scoring opportunities as Mariehamn lived up to their defensive reputation as the islanders have now allowed just six goals in their 13 league matches.
Despite their offensive shortcomings, the hosts managed to put together a couple chances in the first half which required a couple heads up saves from VPS reserve goalkeeper Henrik Moisander.
By the second half, the visitors gained control of the match and it was Smith who nearly got the vistors on the scoreboard in the 68th minute but the South Carolina native's effort missed the target.
Later in the half, VPS midfielder Tony Björk was brought down in the penalty area by the Mariehamn defense however the referee indicated for play to continue adding to the frustration for the visiting team.
The goalless draw is the first time VPS has not scored in a match since a May 17th road loss to TPS and drops them back down to 10th place with 17 points in the Veikkausliiga standings.
Smith and his teammates return home next Sunday to face eighth place Tampere United.
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