Ainsley Walters, Freelance Writer

Portmore United's Jason Morrison dribbles between Wadadah's Christopher Currie (right) and Arval Campbell during their Wray and Nephew National Premier League match at Ferdie Neita Park yesterday. Portmore won 4-1. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

PORTMORE UNITED yesterday slammed Wadadah 4-1 at Ferdie Neita Park in a ruthless display to maintain fourth place in the Wray and Nephew National Premier League (NPL).

Defender Demar Stewart and striker Kevin Deerr booted in first-half goals for Portmore and second-half substitute Bryan Bayliss added a third before Jermaine Anderson got Wada-dah's lone goal from the penalty spot.

Another substitute, Carlington Smith, netted in stoppage time to close out the rout of Wadadah, who started the second half with 10 men after defender Torey Samuels was ejected near the break for a second bookable offence.

The defeat could have been worse had former national striker Onandi Lowe attempted any of the no less than five chances he got to shoot at goal from inside the area. In one instance, the once-feared forward, pitied by Deerr who could have easily converted the chance himself, unbelievably failed to control a simple pass on the edge of the six-yard box.

Waterhouse slip up

Portmore's win moved them to 27 points, one off third-place Reno and six behind leaders Waterhouse, who lost their first match of the season, 0-1 at home to Village.

Waterhouse's loss kept them on 33 points and provided the break the chasing pack was hoping for as Harbour View moved within two points of the champions atop the league after beating August Town 3-2.

Portmore's technical director, Horace Reid, yesterday said his team is still within striking distance.

"I think the race is still open," he remarked. "It's a long way to go. I still fancy our chances and we will give it our best shot," he added.

Portmore have only lost once this season but have drawn nine matches, a malady, which also resulted in them losing their title last year.

"The reality is that the team has been playing well but not converting," said Reid. "For-tunately, today we did that."

Meanwhile, it was another sad story from Wadadah, who are on 14 points, two shy of the relegation zone.

"On any given day we don't have a training session to be happy about," complained coach Anthony 'Follies' Williams, adding that resources continue to be a problem for the Montego Bay unit.

Portmore