Toothless draw leaves Portmore frustrated
Published:Tuesday | September 30, 2025 | 12:15 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
AFTER A toothless 0-0 draw in the opening Monday night Jamaica Premier League (JPL) double-header at the Drewsland stadium, coach of Portmore United Rodolph Austin and his Molynes United opposite number, Jermaine Thomas, expressed disappointment.
However, both had contrasting thoughts on their team’s performance.
After handing high-flyers Montego Bay United their first defeat of the season in the last round of matches, Portmore’s Austin was not pleased with the application and effort of his players.
“Yes, definitely disappointed. And that’s the challenge. No matter how we (coaches) try to motivate the players for a game like this. We talk about it. Train for it. And I didn’t like the performance. I didn’t like the energy,” he said
“We always tell them, ‘Do not win the game before the game. Play like how you play the top teams.’ But Molynes defended well. It was hard to break them down. And they could have won it because they got a penalty.
“So very disappointed, in that regard. But if you come and don’t play to win, you will not win. And that what happened tonight.”
It was a game Portmore controlled. They should have gone ahead, especially in the 29th minute when Orlando Russell had a great chance at the back post, but his header was denied by an excellent save from Darren Donaie in goal.
A minute later, Molynes broke at the other end, with Marlon Pennicooke racing through on goal, only to be pulled back by a Portmore defender inside the box.
However, the resulting penalty kick by captain Jason Wright was saved by Portmore goalkeeper Daniel Russell.
Peter McGregor should have given Portmore the lead two minutes before the half-time interval after he was inadvertently set up by Molynes defender Sergini Frankson, but his low shot from 12 yards was saved by Donaie.
After a quiet start to the second half, Venton Evans had the only real chance when he turned up unmarked at the back post just past the hour mark, but again Donaie parried his header for a corner to keep the game scoreless.
It was Molynes fourth draw in six matches, and although disappointed not to come away with three points, Thomas took heart from the performance.
“Disappointed (with result). But I thought we played well tonight. One and two areas we have to fix. But overall, it wasn’t a bad performance.
“We wanted to keep a clean sheet, because if you can keep clean sheets and find a one or two, then eventually we can start getting three points. Tonight that wasn’t the case. We could have gotten three. But there are still loads of positives we can take from this,” he commented.
The result kept Portmore third on 11 points, while Molynes stayed second from bottom with four.
Chapelton, who had the late game against Waterhouse, could have join MoBay at the top on 13 points with a win, but lost 3-0.