Portmore into RSPL semi final
Published:Sunday | April 30, 2017 | 12:00 AMMarc Stamp
Portmore United head coach Linval Dixon was excited about his team's 2-1 win against Tivoli Gardens in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) second-leg quarter-final at the Wembley Centre of Excellence yesterday.
Portmore advanced to the semi-final, 3-2, on aggregate following a 1-1 draw in the first leg a week ago at Tivoli's Edward Seaga Sports Complex.
The Portmore team settled early and took the lead when Javon East netted past Tivoli's goalkeeper, Davian Watkins, in the fifth minute. However, Tivoli equalised when central defender Barrington Pryce converted a penalty in the 23rd minute.
But, Portmore found the winner courtesy of captain Ewan Grandison, who scored in the 40th minute.
Dixon described his team's performance as an improvement over the first game.
"It was a much better performance from the team today. We knew the game would be physical, so we were prepared," Dixon said at the conclusion of the game.
GOOD PERFORMANCE
"Of course, we are very happy and excited about the win against a good Tivoli team. It was good to see the team come back and give a good performance after the first-leg draw last week," the former national defender added.
Tivoli introduced former Reggae Boy Jermaine 'Teddy' Johnson at the start of the second half, and he added some venom to their attack.
Johnson, who was back after being sidelined due to a hamstring injury came close when his free kick was saved by Portmore's custodian, Shaven-Sean Paul.
"We knew that Jermaine would be involved at some stage, but it was not about planning for any individual but the entire Tivoli team," he said about Johnson's appearance.
Tivoli's coach Damion Gordon said that he was very disappointed with his team's performance.
"The team failed to follow instruction," an upset Gordon said.
The RSPL will continue tonight with the second-leg quarter-final between champions Montego Bay United and Arnett Gardens at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall, St James. Both teams are locked at 1-1 on aggregate heading into the 8 pm kickoff.