Boys' Town's Oneil Thompson fends off Portmore United's Roen Nelson in action from their Wray and Nephew National Premier League encounter at the Collie Smith Sports Ground yesterday. Boys' Town won 2-1. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
IT WAS home sweet home for the rampaging Red Brigade of Boys' Town when they surged their way to a perfect 2-0 start, following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over defending champions Portmore United at the newly-refurbished Collie Smith sports ground yesterday.
The home team got on the scoreboard when the busy Michael Campbell gave them the lead in the 42nd minute.
However, it was a grave error by Portmore custodian Jacomeno Barrett which gave him the opportunity to do so.
The keeper made a hash of things when he fumbled a high looping pass out of midfield, allowing Campbell to break free with the ball, firing into an empty net to give his team the lead.
WELL-WORKED SET
While Portmore were dominant in possession, it was a well-worked set piece which brought them level. A free kick played off to Omar Daley saw him take a few dribbles forward before whipping the ball through the wall and past Boys' Town custodian Philmore Crumbie.
In a second half which lacked the quality of the first, both teams had their opportunities to take the lead.
Peter Keys had a chance to put his team ahead when he ran on to flick a header towards goal in the 60th minute but he failed to get enough pace on it to trouble Barrett.
The towering Onandi Lowe, who came on for the Cup holders' defender Oneil Thompson, curled a freekick conceded just outside of the 18-yard box inches wide of goal, much to the relief of the Boys' Town faithful on hand.
Substitute Rollin Campbell, who came on for injured goalscorer Campbell, proved to be the hero for the home team.
He leapt high to glance home a near-post header from a 90th minute set piece, sending the spectators in the stands and all around the ground, many of them clad in their bright red attire, into emphatic celebrations.
"We showed a lot of commitment today but that was partly due to our home-field advantage. We had to make substitutions due to injuries but it didn't make a difference and that's how deep our team is," said Boys' Town technical director Andrew Price. "I have told this team that once they play with determination they will get the result. We wanted nine points for this round and we have gotten six so far. That means we have some other big fish to fry."
For Portmore United's Paul Young, who saw his team fall to its second loss of the season, it was a case of not wanting it enough.
"We came out very lethargic and I think we were just going through the motions. We were flat for most of the game; we lost concentration towards the end and that cost us," Young said.
The win sees Boys' Town remain in seventh place with 26 points, two behind Arnett Gardens, while Portmore remain in fourth place with 31 points.
GOALSHEET
BOYS' TOWN 2
Michael Campbell 42nd, Rollin Francis 90th
PORTMORE 1
Omar Daley 48th
