Portmore held by Arnett
published:
Monday | December 3, 2007
Ainsley Walters, Freelance Writer
PORTMORE UNITED were yesterday held to a dull 0-0 draw by Arnett Gardens at Ferdie Neita Park, but still maintained their lead atop the Cash Plus Premier League standings following Seba United's 1-2 loss to Reno at Jarett Park.
The draw moved Portmore to 18 points, delaying their march towards the first-round final, but gave them enough time to recover with two games left to seal their spot.
The homesters got enough chances to put away the match but strikers Steven Morrissey and Newton Sterling failed to punish Arnett's defence from early in the first half. Morrissey, who started a two-match win streak for Portmore when he headed in a 1-0 winner over Harbour View last Sunday, got clear chances in the first 20 minutes whereas Sterling failed to convert from close-up in the 50th.
Arnett, who moved to 13 points, got their best chance midway the first half when midfielder Andre Thomas sent a looping shot from the right side, forcing goalie Dwight Kerr to go full stretch in mid-air at his far post as he tipped for a corner.
Portmore coach Linval Dixon said: "It was not the result we were looking for. We got our chances early," he said. "We should have also gotten a penalty but the referee saw something different," he added.
Meanwhile, Arnett's Max Straw, who was ejected from the playing area by referee Dwight Royal for abusive behaviour, said: "It is still the first round," he said. "My team has the best defensive record in the league and we did not concede a goal today," he pointed out. "As soon as all my players are fit and ready we will make a difference," he added, referring to the likes of striker Kevin Wilson, who watched the game from the perimeter fencing.
