Ainsley Walters, Freelance Writer

Harbour View's Kavin Bryan (right) shields the ball as Portmore United's Sheldon Baptiste swings in a tackle during their Wray and Nephew National Premier League match at Prison Oval yesterday. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

PORTMORE UNITED played the first 30 minutes of the second-half with 10 men and the last 15 with one less, but still managed to look more threatening than leaders Harbour View in their 0-0 sixth round Wray and Nephew National Premier League draw at the Spanish Town Prison Oval yesterday.

Harbour View, who had streaked to five straight wins in as many rounds and started the day on 15 points - four clear of Waterhouse, were aiming to extend their 100 per cent win record but came close to being beaten by nine-man Portmore in an action-packed second-half.

The league-leaders are now on 16, two clear of Waterhouse, who snapped Arnett Gardens' two-match win streak in a 4-2 thriller at Drewsland.

Portmore lost their first player on the stroke of the half-time break when midfielder Garth Boota picked up rapid yellow cards for dissent and using an expletive to referee Howard Stennett.

Red card

The big midfielder was being directed off the field by Stennett to fit his missing shin-guards as Harbour View were about to take a corner kick. However, Boota, ignoring Stennett's instructions to exit at at the near post, opted to walk across the six-yard box, delaying play. When Stennett insisted that he leave the field at the near post, Boota shrugged him off and allegedly swore at the referee, who wasted no time in brandishing his red card.

Spurred by Boota's ejection, Portmore, hunting their second win of the season, came out to play a strong second-half, inspired by the addition of Kevin Deerr and Tyrone Sawyers at the resumption.

Deerr, playing his first match of the season, provided the punch the 2004-05 champions lacked up front in five matches.

Starring as a lone striker after coach Paul Young made a double change at the restart, pulling young forward Steven Morrissey and defender Dwayne Ford, Deerr got Portmore's first real chance of the match when he sweetly controlled a free-kick on the right side of the penalty area and unleashed a torrid strike from angle at 10 yards, just failing to keep his shot low enough.

However, it was Portmore who just failed to take the lead in the 70th minute when unmarked Rafe Wolfe's high header brushed the crossbar.

Nippy Harbour View striker Kavin Bryan who was always a thorn in Portmore's defence, forced Sheldon Baptiste to pick up a second yellow card in the 75th minute, resulting in his ejection.

Hyde admitted he was "a bit disappointed" that his team was unable to put away depleted Portmore.

"I think Portmore played well in defence. When they lost two players they pulled two back and got some chances from dead-ball situations," he said.