Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

Paul Young, Portmore United coach. - FILE

Former champions Port-more United continued their quest for a place in the first End- of-Round finals of the Wray & Nephew National Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Naggo Head in a late evening match at Spanish Town Prison Oval on Saturday.

Portmore got the all-important goal in the 58th minute courtesy of an own-goal by defender Dwayne Holness, when he mis-directed a header into his own net.

Portmore were registering their second consecutive victory and after making a poor start, in which they failed to score in their first three matches and only got two points, they have now moved up the standings to 14 points.

Naturally, their coach, Paul Young, was satisfied with his team's performance.

"I am very happy because the game was a very good game. We created a lot of chances that we should have put away but the most important thing is that we did not give up a goal," said Young.

Jason Grant, interim coach of Naggo Head, was disappointed with his team's effort.

"Well, basically, the game was a 50-50 game. We created numerous chances but we failed to convert them," said Grant. "In the second half we dominated the game and the chances came but we just couldn't put them away."

Playing in front of a capacity crowd, and after scoring early in the second half, Portmore continued to dominate possession and should have gone further head but Oneil McDonald, after having goalkeeper Winston Robinson at his mercy, failed to convert into an open net.

Two minutes later, Portmore captain Jason Morrison's point-blank shot was well-saved by Robinson at his near post.

Naggo Head's best chance fell to Radeen Bennett at the 80th minute, but his left-footed shot was spectacularly saved by Shawn Sawyers diving to his right.

Five minutes from time, Demar Stewart was shown the red card following a second bookable offense - for a vicious tackle on Nicholas Forbes.

Portmore - 1

Dwayne Holness (58th minute own goal)

Naggo Head 0