Ainsley Walters, Freelance Writer

SUBSTITUTE Kevin Deerr yesterday netted an 80th minute penalty to hand Portmore United a 1-0 victory over promoted Sporting Central Academy of Clarendon in their Cash Plus Premier League opener before a packed house at Ferdie Neita Park.

Deerr, Most Valuable Player of the 2004-05 season, replaced new signing Newton Sterling for the start of the second half and immediately made his presence felt, feeding fellow striker Onandi Lowe with numerous passes from right midfield.

Within 10 minutes of Deerr's arrival, Portmore, runners-up to champions Harbour View last season, were all over Sporting Central's defenders. Lowe had a shot blocked from inside the area and unmarked midfielder Wolry Wolfe skied another miles high over the crossbar from 16 yards.

NO MISTAKE

Deerr stole the game in the 80th when he was held back inside the area by substitute Gregory Lewis and made no mistake from the spot, rifling his penalty past goalkeeper Leighton Murray.

Portmore's coach, Linval Dixon, admitted his team was not penetrative enough in the first half.

"It was an open game. Everybody was hyped," he said, commenting on the match-up, which was regarded as an away Clarendon derby as Portmore United was formerly Hazard of Clarendon before changing their name and home venue to Portmore after winning the league in 2004-05.

"We were not penetrating enough in the first half, but in the second half we started seeing the passes from the flanks as well as the fitness and class started to tell," he pointed out.

Portmore really took control of the second half from Sporting Central, who looked snappy with their short-passing game in the first half.

STRIKERS KEPT AT BAY

However, the newcomers failed to bother goalie Shawn Sawyers as strikers Okiene Ford and Karl Wiggan were easily kept in check by Portmore's defence, led by Grena-dian Anthony Modedste.

Sterling, who was expected to be an aerial threat in Portmore's attacks, was largely missing from the first half, whereas the team's other notable summer signing, Fabian Davis, was not his usual commanding self.

Dixon said it was early days yet and expects his team to get better with each game.

"It's our first game and it will get better," he said. "We have Waterhouse on Sunday and that will be a tight match at Drewsland," he added.

Meanwhile, Kevin 'Sensi' williams, Sporting Central's coach, thought his team was competitive throughout.

"I thought we competed right through the game and I am proud of the youngsters," he said.

Portmore 1
Kevin Deerr 80th

Sporting Central 0