Howard Walker, Staff Reporter

HYDE

When Harbour View scored a 1-0 win over Portmore United on Sunday night it was a sweet victory for the fans, but none more so than coach Lenworth Hyde.

Oneil Smith playing at right back, found himself at the end of a pass that Gregg Taylor nodded down and he calmly lobbed national goalkeeper, Shawn Sawyers, from 20 metres out to score in the 40th minute.

Hyde could not contain his emotions as he sprang off the bench to celebrate what turned out to be the winning goal.

Hyde started as coach of Portmore for the 2005 season, but was later relegated to assistant coach to Paul Young as part of what Portmore called it's rotation system. But that rotating wheel never spun back in his favour and he left for greener pastures and found his way at Har-bour View.

For Hyde though, Sunday's win wasn't about revenge, it was for the team.

Said Hyde: "The team talk wasn't about a revenge thing because I was at Portmore, it is what the players had to offer and what they brought to the table. They came well prepared and they brought it to the field."

Harbour View's win brought them level with Waterhouse on 33 points, but they remain second on goal difference in what is expected to be another keenly contested battle for championship honours.

"I am happy for the three points and overall we played well. I love the consistency we showed. We played (well at) both ends of the field, even though Portmore had some possession, we were right there, defending stout-heartedly and when we got the goal we even played better," noted Hyde.

He added: "We are improving in most of the areas and one specific thing, we didn't give up any goals."

Difficult

Portmore United made it difficult for themselves when new signing Damion Williams, formely of Seba United, was red carded in the first half for deliberately stamping on Gregg Taylor.

Portmore remain in fourth position on 28 points, only six behind the leaders and missed the chance to close the gap.

Coach Paul Young knew it would be difficult to beat Harbour View with 10 men, but praised his players for their performance.

Said Young: "We were down to 10 men early in the game and that was always going to be difficult. But I thought the effort in the second half was good, but we still didn't create enough chances to win the game.

"I thought we were too direct too quickly and we needed to keep the ball some more. We were a little impatient and they had the numbers. It's one of those days but our players did well and I am proud of them and I know they will bounce back."

Harbour View 1

Oneil Smith 40th minute

Portmore United 0