Portmore on brink of Premiership return

WESTERN BUREAU:

Portmore United thrashed Savannah SC 4-1 yesterday at Frome Sports Complex and all but sewed up a place in next season's Red Stripe Premier League, with another victory in the playoffs.

The victory, their 26th of the season, extended their undefeated run stretching back to the South Central Confederation Super League.

The Linval Dixon-coached unit from the Sunshine City looked almost imperious, but the goals failed to materialise until the second half when Rodian Jennings struck.

The forward scored his first of two goals in the 53rd minute and netted the other at the 57th. Portmore's third was scored by Suelae McCalla in the 79th minute, who also had a double with their fourth and final, as the visitors made a giant step towards a league they dominated in the past to win four titles, before they were relegated a season ago.

Savannah forward Ron Daley slotted home from the penalty spot in the 88th minute.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game against this Savannah team and they really came at us in the first half. But we turned things around in the second half and looked good in getting four goals," Dixon said.

"We are almost where we want to be ... we need just a point more to secure our place in the top flight," Dixon added.

With 10 points from four matches, Portmore lead the four-team playoffs. They are followed by the University of the West Indies (UWI) FC, who moved second on seven points following a crucial 1-0 win over York at UWI Bowl, Mona, yesterday. Mitch Wright netted the lone goal of that contest in the third minute. York remained on four points, while Savannah are stuck at the bottom with one point. All the teams have played four matches, with two remaining in the round-robin home and away series.