Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

Portmore United defender Anthony Modeste falls as he challenges Harbour View striker Kavin Bryan during their National Premier League match at Ferdie Neita Park on Sunday night. The game ended 1-1. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Portmore United coach Linval Dixon has pointed to his team's overall depth as a major factor in the St Catherine outfit being a whisper away from officially lifting the National Premier League title.

On Sunday night Portmore, who last lifted the league title in 2005, battled from behind to secure a 1-1 draw with last year's champions Harbour View at Ferdie Neita Park.

A push forward

The win put the league leaders nine points clear of closest rivals Tivoli Gardens with just three games remaining. Even in the unlikely scenario that Portmore lose their next three games and Tivoli win their next three, which would put the teams level on head-to-head encounters, the first criterior for settling a scenario which would see the teams level on points, the west Kingston team would have to make up a 21-goal difference, which is the second criteria for deciding a points tie. While remaining mathematically plausible the situation is an almost impossible one for the second-placed team.

Prior preparation

"Having a very deep team was obviously a huge factor which helped us out this season," Dixon said.

"We try to build our team from the Under-21 up and when we needed to call on these players, they fit right in," he added.

"We set out to win the title, the team worked really hard in the pre-season and I just have to congratulate the guys," he said.

On Sunday, Harbour View midfield maestro Jermaine Hue broke into the area to fire the visitors in front in the 13th minute. However, a furious spell of football from the home team, which saw Portmore front men Anthony Bennett and Steven Morrisey surge forward with great regularity, the home team would find themselves level in the 34th minute.

Open opportunities

Morrisey was able to take advantage of a lapse in concentration on the path of the Harbour View backline, who allowed a long clearance from Portmore custodian Shawn Sawyers to bounce in the area. Reaching to the ball that bounced awkwardly first, the alert forward booted past Harbour View goalkeeper Leon Goffe with his first touch.

In a slower second half, which was dominated by the home team, Goffe managed to thwart Bennett - who hit a 70th minute blast - by diving full stretch.

Having already surrendered the crown, Harbour View coach Harold Thomas, who recently replaced Lenworth Hyde Sr has already begun to build for next season.

"We are already beginning to look at a couple of Under-21 players, so we have already started our preparations," Thomas said.

"However, we'll continue to play every game like it's a cup final."

Harbour View are fourth on 49 points.

Portmore United 1

Steven Morrisey 34th

Harbour View 1

Jermaine Hue 13th