All square in hotly contested Portmore derby

The electric atmosphere could be felt throughout the Ferdie Neita Park in yesterday’s Jamaica Premier League (JPL) derby between home side Portmore United and Dunbeholden FC, and in the end, the sides had to share the spoils following a 1-1 draw.

The hotly contested affair lived up to its billing, especially after the visiting Dunbeholden team got the opening goal in the 23rd minute when Chevoy Watkin leapt high to head home a left-sided cross from Sadeeki Burton who had started a quick play following a free-kick.

The travelling Dunbeholden fans who made the short journey felt the game was theirs, and they held that advantage for the majority of the half, and they had goalkeeper Damian Hyatt to thank at the break as the custodian pulled off a remarkable save following a rasping left-footed effort from Jamari Morrison.

The second half saw Portmore coach Phillip Williams bring on veteran Rodolph Austin to marshal the backline and also to provide his telling crosses inside the area, and it was from a corner kick that Portmore would eventually get the equalising goal as Steven Young jumped highest inside the area to pull things level in the 74th minute.

Things would get worse for the visiting Dunbeholden team who ended the game with 10 players after substitute and new signing Demari Deacon was sent off in the 88th minute for serious foul play on Okelo Howard, who suffered a facial wound and had to be transported to the hospital by ambulance.

The point sees Portmore United drop down to third place on 35 points while Dunbeholden, who picked up their fifth draw, sit in seventh place on 23 points. There are new leaders in the JPL after champions Mount Pleasant drew 1-1 with Molynes United and Cavalier defeated Waterhouse 1-0.

Cavalier lead the league with 37 points from 17 games, and Mount Pleasant are a point behind, also from 17 games.

Portmore’s coach, Phillip Williams, felt the result was justified.

“The encounter was played in the true spirit of a derby game, and I thought both teams played some good football. I felt some of the calls by the referee were unfortunate, and if those calls had gone our way, the result could have been different,” Williams said.

Dunbeholden’s coach, Lenworth Hyde, was satisfied that his team was able to visit Ferdie Neita Park and get a favourable result.

“It’s good to come to one of the top four teams and get a point. I believe we can build on this, especially with some new players coming in this week, and it will be a work in progress,” Hyde said.

Other results

Lime Hall 1 Treasure Beach 0

Montego Bay 2 Vere United 0

Mount Pleasant 1 Molynes 1

Waterhouse 0 Cavalier 1

Today’s games

5 p.m: Humble Lion vs Harbour View

7:30 p.m: Tivoli Gardens vs Arnett Gardens

Both games will be played at the Stadium East field.