Ainsley Walters, Freelance Writer

Lowe ... fierce free-kick just missed goal. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

A SPIRITED August Town yesterday held Portmore United to a 0-0 draw at the Spanish Town Prison Oval, temporarily lifting themselves out of the relegation zone while further stifling their rivals' title hopes.

The goalless draw carried promoted August Town to 11 points, whereas Portmore moved to 22, pending late games to know whether the point earned was good enough to keep third place behind leaders Waterhouse and Harbour View.

Champions two seasons ago, Portmore yesterday maintained their costly habit of drawing too many games to challenge for the Wray and Nephew Premiership, recording their seventh stalemate in 13 matches.

Despite starting former national striker Onandi Lowe upfront alongside Kevin Deerr, Portmore were kept at bay in the first half by the strong-tackling August Town, who never allowed their more heralded rivals to settle.

Best chance

Lowe, who was substituted a little after 70 minutes, got his best chance in the first half when his fierce free-kick from 20-odd yards was blocked at the post by August Town's goalie.

However, August Town's Zico Herrera could have earlier turned the game on its head when he broke into Portmore's box but was shut down and his shot blocked by goalkeeper Shawn Sawyers breaking off his line.

Anthony Bennett, who came on as a substitute for Lowe, painfully watched his stoppage time lob being cleared by former teammate Derrick Smith after beating the onrushing August Town 'keeper.

The move was set up by another substitute, Oneil McDonald, who laid on a sweet pass to the left of the box. Spotting unmarked Bennett, the goalkeeper rushed off his line and was well-beaten as the Portmore striker turned the ball high around him but the shot lacked pace and Smith had more than enough time to clear.

Portmore coach Paul Young, who also watched as captain Anthony Modeste's 82nd minute rebound was called offside, said his team were forced to play out of character in the first half.

"We played their game in the first half, a running game" he said. "They caught us out of our normal game. We should have been a little more patient."

Young admitted the draw won't help their title hopes but said it was better than losing.

"August Town are clutching at everything," he said. "They came twice as hard. At least we didn't lose."

Portmore United - 0

August Town - 0