Ainsley Walters, Freelance Writer

Portmore's Ricardo Cousins. - file

CHAMPIONS Portmore United yesterday showed Tivoli Gardens exactly why they are Premier League champions, crafting a splendid 63rd minute equaliser to end their season with a 1-1 draw in front of home fans at Ferdie Neita Park.

Tivoli, runners-up to Portmore in the Premiership, grabbed the lead in the 34th minute when Roland Dean lobbed goalie Shawn Sawyers on the left side of the box, sending a high ball inside, which Damion Gordon headed into an empty goal.

However, Portmore coach Linval Dixon, intent on not losing the final match of the season at home, brought two big guns off the bench at the break, the league's top scorer, Roen Nelson, and midfielder Ricardo Cousins.

Classical build-up

Dixon's move paid off in the 63rd with a classical build-up and exquisite finish. Striker Carlington Smith twisted and turned his marker on the right flank before hoisting a cross to the back post, where Nelson chested off the ball to Cousins, whose sweet volley whistled past Jason Samuels in goal for Tivoli.

Tivoli's players could only admire the artistry and Kevin Blackford, already on a 40th minute yellow card, was sent packing a minute after the equaliser for two cautions after viciously hacking down Ricardo Cousins in front of the Portmore bench.

Steven Morrissey should have put Portmore 2-1 ahead six minutes from time but scooped his shot from the penalty spot over the bar with only the Tivoli 'keeper to beat.

Tivoli got their chances in the first half especially in the 17th minute when Jermaine Taylor was sent one-on-one with goalie Shawn Sawyers off a defence splitting pass by defender Damion Gordon.

However, the Tivoli winger chose to shoot along the ground from the edge of the box with Sawyers already committed, going down to his left at the penalty spot.

Taylor's half-hearted shot was easily held by the experienced goalkeeper stretching to his left to collect.

Blackwood twice tested Sawyers, first in the 10th and 20th minutes later, but both his shots were blocked by the Portmore goalie.

Dixon afterward said his team wanted to end the season with a victory at home but were satisfied with the draw.

"It was a good season," he said. "We set out to win the title from the start and wanted a win here today, but it's a fair result and we are already looking forward to next season."

Tivoli's Desmond Francis said his team's form in front of goal cost them the title.

"My team had a good season, but we missed out on goalscoring," said Francis.