Drought is over for Portmore

Portmore United found the winning formulae again following a clinical 2-0 win against Vere United 2-0 in their Jamaica Premier League clash at the Wembley Centre of Excellence.

The St Catherine-based club had gone seven games without a win. Their last victory, before yesterday, came against Humble Lion on November 10 last year.

Portmore United’s head coach, Rodolph Austin, said he and his team did some serious introspection and that that surely paid off yesterday.

The breakthrough for the former champions came early in the 16th minute when Tarick Ximines made his mark.

Following excellent build-up play on the right flank, Tedj Bryan whipped in a precise cross that Ximines met with a powerful header from close range, leaving goalkeeper Mikhail Harrison with no chance.

Ximines had another golden opportunity to double the lead before halftime, but his contested header sailed just past the left upright, much to the relief of the home fans.

Portmore extended their lead shortly after the break in the 51st minute. Vere’s decision to play a high defensive line backfired when Romeo Guthrie threaded a perfectly timed through ball to Bryan. The winger showcased his speed, outpacing the Vere defence before calmly slotting past the onrushing Harrison.

Vere United found their rhythm in the second half, testing Portmore’s defence with more urgency. Their best chance came from a thunderous long-range effort by Jadon Anderson, but Portmore goalkeeper Benjamin Williams was up to the task, tipping the shot over the crossbar with a spectacular save.

Ximines could have wrapped up a brace in the dying minutes of the contest, however, his thunderous right footer cannoned off the upright and back into play.

In the end, Portmore sealed their seventh win of the campaign, which was pleasing to coach Austin.

“ It was a very good game, and I thought we entered the final third a lot, which was good to see. I thought we could have scored more goals, but after not winning for such a long time, I will take the win.”

With a couple of their new signings still not yet registered to play, assistant coach for Vere United Donovan Lofters said the team lost some cohesiveness with some new players coming in, but they are keen to rectify those issues soon.

“It’s still early days, and if you look at it, two or three wins and you are in the top six. That’s how the league is running. The top teams are winning and the bottom teams are struggling. So as long as you get a good run, things can turn quickly,” Lofters said.

Portmore are fifth in the standings with 27 points while Vere are sitting in 10th with 16 points.

Yesterday’s results

Chapelton 0-0 Molynes

Dunbeholden 0-2 Cavalier

Harbour View 1-1 Humble Lion

Vere 0-2 Portmore

Waterhouse 0-1 Tivoli

Today’s games

5 p.m.: Racing vs Mount Pleasant

7:45 p.m.: Arnett Gardens vs Montego Bay

Both games will be played at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.