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Portmore’s sturdy defence holds off MoBay for a 2-0 triumph
September 22, 2025
Portmore United stunned former Jamaica Premier League (JPL) leaders Montego Bay United FC 2-0 with goals from Peter McGregor (30th) and Javier Brown (83rd) ), in their football game on Sunday at Drewsland Mini Stadium, knocking the St James club off the JPL summit, albeit, on goal difference.
The St James team played all the football in the first half, controlling possession and creating numerous openings and half chances, but failed to finish.
However, on a rare offensive move, Portmore stole possession high in the MoBay team's half on the half hour, and when the MoBay United's defence failed to clear a cross in the box, McGregor was on hand to turn home the loose ball from six yards.
It was much the same in the second half. However, Portmore kept things tight at the back, as MoBay struggled to break them down, despite wave after wave of attacks.
MoBay United's first real chance of the half came after 75 minutes, when Dwight Merrick wriggled his way through midfield and hit a shot that deflected off Brian Brown and forced goalkeeper Daniel Russell into a crucial save.
From the resulting corner, Josiah Trimmingham had good opening, but his acrobatic effort flew over the bar from eight yards out.
A few minutes later, however, Portmore repeated their first half move, when in a rare attack, Javier Brown broke loose behind the MoBay United defence and slotted past Davonnie Burton to put his team 2-0 up.
Portmore remained resolute in defence and saw out the match to gain three valuable points, joining Racing United and MoBay United on 10 points. Racing lead on goal difference, while Portmore are second and MoBay third.
In the five matches this season, Portmore's defence has only been breached in one game, and coach Rodolph Austin was pleased.
"It was a gutsy performance by my team against a very good MoBay side. They were the leaders coming into this game. We knew we had to come here today and do our best, which I believe the players gave it their all and came out victorious."
His counterpart, Xavier Gilbert, said it just wasn't their night.
"We did what we could. But credit to Portmore, they defended well. It's unfortunate we didn't get on the scoresheet."
Meanwhile, Cavalier climbed five places up the table into fifth after a 2-1 win over Treasure Beach.
Christopher Ainsworth put Cavalier ahead with an eighth-minute penalty. But Jaheim Harris equalised for Treasure Beach five minutes before half time.
Daryl Massicot secured all three points for Cavalier with a 61st-minute strike for the defending champions, who now have seven points.
At the Edward Seaga Sports Complex, Tivoli had to come from behind to earn a draw with struggling Molynes. Alton Lewis' own goal gave Molynes a 57th-minute lead. But Kavan Wilson's 81st-minute goal ensured a point for the home team.
The Portmore derby between Racing United and Dunbeholden ended 0-0.
