LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

Portmore United's Marlon Binns (left) and Keammar Daley of Meadhaven United challenge for a ball during their Digicel Premier League match at Constant Spring Oval yesterday. Portmore won 1-0. - Photo by LeVaughn Flynn

Portmore United once again proved the strength of their youth programme when they used primarily U-21 players in their 1-0 win against Meadhaven United in the Digicel Premier League yesterday at the Constant Spring Oval.

One of those players, Tremaine Stewart, got the only goal in the 78th minute, pushing Portmore to 10 points. Meadhaven United have two.

With at least five senior starters out due to illness or national duties, Portmore technical director Donovan Duckie said he promoted nine U-21 players for yesterday's game.

"We had about five to six regular players out, but the positive is that you saw the strength of our youth players," said Duckie. "It was a spirited performance from the guys despite the numerous setbacks we had throughout the week."

Delay in preparations

Along with the absent players (Kevin Deerr, Carlington Smith, Shawn Sawyers, Ricardo Smith and captain Anthony Modeste), Duckie pointed out that preparations leading up to the game were hampered by constant rain.

The lack of training certainly showed, particularly in the first half, as Portmore were an unusually disorganised bunch.

Meadhaven, who are still coached by Alrick Clarke despite reports last week that he was fired enjoyed the better chances at goal with an Andre Hickling header going just wide and Keammar Daley muffing an easy chance in front of goal.

Meadhaven also had good looks at goal in the second half with substitute David Reid all alone in the penalty box with just the keeper to beat, only to produce a tepid attempt.

Good play

Moments later, Stewart used his speed to outrun his marker on the left flank and kicked to goal, as he crashed into custodian Andrew Gibson. The ball ricocheted off Stewart and into the goal 12 minutes after he had come on. There was an appeal for a hand ball on Stewart, but the referee ignored it.

"The boys did well - that's what we expect from them," said Clarke of his Meadhaven unit. "But it's very heart-rending when you concede a goal like that."

Of his reported firing as head coach last week, Clarke added: "Sometimes people make hasty decisions but all that is settled now and I am the coach of Meadhaven."