Daraine Luton, Freelance Writer CARIBBEAN CLUB Champions Harbour View last night made a winning but unimpressive start to the third round of the Wray and Nephew National Premier League.
On the back of a superb 45th minute strike from midfield maestro Jermaine Hue, the Stars of the East emerged 1-0 winners over Constant Spring in the Compound fixture.
Characterised by dull and for the most part uninspiring football by both teams, Harbour View were guilty of allowing Constant Spring too much room in the first 20 minutes.
However, Constant Spring could not use it to any real advantage as Harbour View's defenders made sure they did not get into the penalty area.
Although it was the visitors who had the first real shot on goal when defender Emil Thomas let fly from 25 yards, Harbour View always looked the team more likely to score.
BRAGGING RIGHTS
Their goal came on the stroke of half-time when the mercurial Hue worked his way past two defenders and drove a low left-footer past Ralston Robinson to give his team bragging rights going into the break.
When they returned Harbour View's attackers never seemed as purposeful as they were in the first half.
Hue was guilty of losing the ball on a couple of occasions in the middle of the park, while substitute Luton Shelton did not look his usual nippy self.
Marcelino Blackburn looked an enthusiastic young player in his 15 minutes on the pitch and could have put Harbour View further ahead eight minutes from time had he not placed Hue's long pass un to the upright.
At the other end of the pitch though, Constant Spring were threatening to breach Harbour View's defence as substitutes Jameel Thompson and Denzil Mitchell, along with Tafari O'Connor, entered the area with great regularity.
KEPT AT BAY
However, Harbour View's central defenders Damion Stewart, Jermaine Taylor and Donald Stewart kept them at bay.
Harbour View's coach, Donovan Hayles, while happy with the three points, said he was not satisfied with the way his team approached the second half. However, he said he was happy about the way the defence stood up.
"The second half is something I want to put behind me quickly," he said.
The three points moved Harbour View to 47, which remain fourth, a point behind Tivoli Gardens.
Defeat for Constant Spring meant that they remain on 21 points in mid-table. Their coach, Danny Lyn, said the way they played was encouraging.
"... We just need someone to score goals for us now. We are moving the ball around but we are not doing enough in the final third," Lyn said.
