Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

Harbour View striker Kavin Bryan attempts to turn away from Waterhouse defender Desmond Breakenridge (partially hidden) in the Wray and Nephew National Premier League first end of round final at the National Stadium on Wednesday night. Harbour View won the game 1-0. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

HARBOUR VIEW may have struck a major blow as far as their chances of winning this season's Wray and Nephew National Premier League go following a tough 1-0 win over leaders Waterhouse in the first end-of-round final at the National Stadium on Wednesday night.

"We needed the win to rebuild some morale in the team and some spirit in the camp, because we lost the last game coming into the final," said an elated Harbour View coach Lenworth Hyde, who had seen his team thrashed 4-0 by Tivoli in the last game of the first round.

"We just want to continue on this run and we just need to try to build on this," he said.

The win went a far way not only in terms of dispelling the myth that Harbour View are not a team that can generally win finals, but that it can beat teams - especially Waterhouse, a side which 'The Stars of the East' would have to go back about eight months to find their last win against.

"There is more to come. We just need to keep the vibes in the camp and I think we will do well this season," Hyde said.

Striker Fabian Taylor lost his defender and turned goalside to blast past Waterhouse custodian Richard McCallum in the 78th minute.

Fans vent anger

While things were all good for Harbour View, the loss was a bitter one to swallow for the defending champions and angry fans directed their frustration towards the Waterhouse coaching staff and hurled various missiles and objects on to the pitch.

The defending NPL champions had more than their fair share of opportunities to score. Brian Wollaston had actually put the ball into the back of the net in the 36 minute, following a cross across goal by Roberto Fletcher, but was deemed to have fouled Harbour View defender Clifton Waugh. Last season's leading striker, Kevin Lamey, could have brought the teams level but his 91st minute header flashed wide of Harbour View custodian Dwayne Miller's far post.

"I think we were always at a disadvantage coming into this game. We were heavily favoured and I think that played on our minds a little bit," said Waterhouse coach Barrington Gaynor.

"That being said, I don't think we deserved to lose the game. We played a much better second half and created a lot of opportunities but that is how the game is if you don't turn up on the day, you will lose," he said.