Gareth Davis, Freelance Reporter

Portland:

The noose was again tightened on a visitor at Lynch Park, Portland, yesterday as a 52nd minute strike from Damion Harwood gave St Georges a 1-0 victory over Boys' Town in their National Premier League game.

Boys' Town started the better team and quickly moved into attacking mode through Fabian Watkins, Daemion Benjamin, Wayne Ellis and Sean McKoy who combined well but were denied by good defending from Dwayne Holmes, Ricardo Taylor, Keion Clunis and Barrington James.

The game gradually evened out and both teams appeared to be playing the waiting game, even though through several build ups, the created chances. However, poor finishing robbed them of an advantage.

No Omar

Cheered on by the few hundreds of spectators, St Georges improved its challenge through Harwood, Holmes, Kanute Harrison and Denroy Dennis. It was obvious, however, that St Georges were lacking in midfield, probably due to the absence of Omar Brissett, who was occupying the bench in the first half that ended scoreless.

In the second half, as expected, Brissett was brought on replacing Dwayne Thidd to add more power, while Boys' Town also made their first substitution, bringing into the game Asrick Samuels.

It was Georges who benefited from the substitution though as in the 52nd minute Brissett picked up a ball on the edge of the 18-yard box and went by two defenders and was brought down. The 'advantage' was, however, played by the referee and Harwood, who capitalised during the fall of Brissett, fired from close range into the net.

Boys' Town's goalkeeper Kirk Porter was substituted after he suffered cramps to his stomach and was replaced by Philmore Crumbie. They sought to claw their way back into the game through Michael Campbell, George Vernal and McKoy, but good defending along with outstanding goalkeeping kept them at bay.

Losing coach, Andrew Price, explained that his team failed to follow instructions and that cost them the game. He added that it is hard to understand how Boys' Town can in one instance play a high quality game, then falter in the next.

Too relaxed

"We were too relaxed," said Price. "We definitely were too complacent and St Georges took that to their advantage. We are, however, determined to continue our quest for a hold on the Premier League."

Winning coach Donovan Duckie praised his team for the hard fought victory. According to the coach his team consists of 95 per cent Super League players who are accustomed to playing 23 games, but the Premier League is taking a toll on them.

"This is a young team and their legs are tired," he said. "Our last couple of games we were never at full strength due to either injuries or suspensions, but today we welcomed back the services of several key players who made the difference. There is also an addition to Georges coaching staff with the inclusion of Michael Tulloch, who was an inspiration here today and who has taken up duties as assistant coach."

St Georges 1

Damion Harwood 52nd

Boys' Town 0