Portmore United's Bryan Bayliss pivots to make an overhead kick as he is challenged by Boys' Town's Marvin Morgan during the Digicel Premier League football match at Collie Smith Drive yesterday. The game ended 0-0. - Ian Allen/Photographer

Boys' Town's hopes of snatching their first win of the new Digicel Premier League (DPL) season had to be put on hold yet again, following a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Portmore United at Collie Smith Drive yesterday.

The result saw the Red Brigade, who have publicly stated their desire to bring the national title back to Collie Smith Drive, forced to settle for a share of the points for a fourth consecutive game.

Balanced encounter

Despite a fairly balanced encounter against the St Catherine team, Boys' Town had to deal with a couple of awkward moments in the first half and it was the visitors who created the better chances in the early going.

The towering Newton Sterling, who proved a handful for a diminutive Boys' Town backline, almost put Portmore ahead midway the first half. However, the striker saw his header over an advancing Boys' Town custodian, Philmore Crumbie, drift just wide of the post.

Another uncomfortable, high bouncing ball gave Portmore forward Steven Morrisey another crack at goal a few minutes later. But rapidly being closed down, the striker poked his shot just over the crossbar.

A livelier Boys' Town, stirred on by restless fans, dominated the second period but failed to the register the crucial breakthrough.

Long-range effort

Portmore custodian Dwayne Kerr gobbled up a 58th-minute long-range effort from Boys' Town captain, Michael Campbell, but could only watch a powerfully hit attempt from substitute Shane Edwards whiz by the far post.

Despite having to deal with the disappointment of another draw and annoyed by what he deemed to be a few questionable calls, Boys' Town's coach, Andrew Price, believed his team put in an honest shift.

"I think we gave a good account of ourselves today. We had a couple of key players out but their replacements really stepped up and delivered," Price said.

"The win is coming, the fans just have to be patient. We have to keep playing well and hopefully the goals will begin to come," added Price, who has seen his team score two goals in four games.

Despite also being held to a draw for a second consecutive game, Portmore coach Linval Dixon was satisfied with taking a point from the encounter.

"It wasn't a disappointment not getting all three points. I think we did well to get a point away from home and we are still getting the team together," Dixon said.

"The league has just started, we have 30-odd games to go. I'm not worried at this stage, we just need to improve our play, especially in terms of scoring goals."

Summary of yesterday's three other afternoon fixtures in the fourth round of the Digicel Premier League.

Village United 1 Rivoli United 1 at Elliston Wakeland Centre

GOALS: Village - Cordell Simpson 90+ Rivoli United - Devon Hodges 15th

Boys' Town 0 Portmore United 0 at Collie Smith Drive

August Town 0 St Georges 2 at UWI Bowl

GOALS: St Georges - Damion Harwood 44th, 77th

LATE MATCHES: Arnett Gardens vs Tivoli Gardens at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex; Waterhouse vs Harbour View at Drewsland Mini Stadium