Ten-man roadblock - Champions Portmore forced to come from behind to earn MoBay draw

Defending champions Portmore United came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw against Montego Bay United (MBU) in their Legend Jamaica Premier League encounter at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay yesterday.

MBU were reduced to 10 men in the 26th minute when Okeemo Jones was sent off for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, MBU took the lead through leading goalscorer Jourdain Fletcher in the second minute of first-half stoppage time. However, Portmore United responded almost immediately, with Jevaughn Grant levelling the score two minutes later.

MBU regained the lead in the 59th minute through Devonte Campbell, but the defending champions battled back once again, with Demario Daley finding the net in the 77th minute to secure a share of the points.

The draw leaves MBU fourth in the standings on 15 points, while Portmore United remain ninth on seven.

MBU coach Javier Ainstein expressed pride in his players’ efforts, insisting they deserved more from the contest.

“I believe that the players did a great job today. They deserved the win. We suffered the injury of our goalkeeper, and this changed the match. We suffered that against Mount Pleasant, and we suffered the same today,” said Ainstein.

“It’s a shame and it’s very sad that we didn’t take the victory, because I believe the players made a big effort,” he added.

Meanwhile, Portmore United coach Rodolph Austin said his team created numerous chances but failed to capitalise, while also conceding two avoidable goals.

“Well, played a good game. We created a lot of chances, but didn’t score. MBU, they had 10 men, and we didn’t capitalise on it and gave up two easy goals,” said Austin.

“We need to put the ball in the back of the goal. We do finishing almost every day. I know they’re not trying to miss, but it’s a bit embarrassing when you stand on the sideline and see the easy chances that we are missing.”

In another match, Treasure Beach FC secured their first win of the season after seven games, defeating Racing United 4-3 at Ferdi Neita Park.

Treasure Beach’s Daniel Hardy stole the spotlight with a hat-trick, scoring in the sixth minute, the 66th minute and in stoppage time. Dahmani Miller also scored in stoppage time, while Tajay Grant netted twice for Racing United in the 16th and 28th minutes. Nicholas Lawrence scored Racing United’s other goal.

The result leaves Racing United second in the standings on 16 points, while Treasure Beach remain 13th on five.

Yesterday’s results

MBU 2-2 Portmore United

Racing United 3-4 Treasure Beach

Dunbeholden 3-0 Humble Lion

Tivoli Gardens 1-1 Arnett Gardens

Tru-Juice 1-0 Chapelton Maroons