Portmore let Boys' Town off the hook
published:
Monday | January 7, 2008
Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer
Cornelius Henry of Portmore (left) getting to the ball ahead of Boys' Town's Damone Mannings during Friday's Under-21 match at Ferdie Neita Park yesterday. The game ended 1-1. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
Defending champions Portmore United were held to a 1-1 draw by Boys' Town in their Coca-Cola National Under-21 League game at the Ferdie Neita Park on Friday.
In other games, Sporting Central Academy edged Reno 1-0, St. Georges defeated August Town 3-0, Arnett Gardens and Waterhouse drew 3-3, leaders Harbour View beat Village 3-0 and Seba United beat Tivoli Gardens 3-2.
After enduring early pressure from Portmore United, during which Boys' Town goalkeeper Carlloyd Walter was called on to make a number of crucial saves from Eric Vernon, James Thomas and Carlos Barrett, Boys' Town took the lead in the 36th minute when Shamar Small outsprinted two Portmore United defenders to slot home the ball past custodian Garice McPherson.
Four minutes before half-time, Vernal could have given his team the equaliser, but his close range effort went wide of the target.
Portmore United dominated the second period as they hit Boys' Town crossbar on a number of occasions.
However, in the 65th minute, Steven Morrissey pulled the hosts level as he dribbled past three Boys' Town defenders then fired home a powerful right-footed shot past goalkeeper Walters.
Five minutes later, substitute Shavar Brown got a chance to send Portmore United ahead but with Walters at his mercy, his shot went wide of the target.
Another Portmore United substitute Jamoy Sibbles came close in the dying moments but with an open goal to aim at, he shot wide.
Unfortunate
"We should have gotten all three points but we are just unfortunate that we didn't get all three because we created numerous amount of chances at the goalmouth, but that is sports," said Desmond Smith, coach of Portmore United.
"We just have to take it one game at a time ... but we will have to go back and do some more work in front of the goal and hope that we can capitalise on our chances," Smith added.
Perry Bartley, coach of Boys' Town, said: "I am not going to say I am satisfied but playing away from home and getting a draw, it a bit ok for us.
"In the first half, we had the lead and we came into the second half and allowed them back into the game, then we gave away a simple goal," said Bartley.
