Seba United's captain Wilfred Smith (right) controls the ball as he collides with August Town skipper David Laylor during the Wray and Nephew National Premier League match at Barbican playing field yesterday. Smith scored as Seba won 1-0. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Howard Walker, Staff Reporter

An 87th-minute goal by Wilfred Smith earned Seba United a hard-fought and crucial 1-0 win over August Town in their Wray and Nephew National Premier League game at the Barbican fiield yesterday.

Seba, starting the day in ninth position on 21 points - just five above the relegation zone - have opened up a five-point gap over 10th-place August Town.

August Town on 19 points remain just three above the relegation zone and in the clutches of 11th-place Wadadah on 16.

What was supposed to be an inspired substitution for August Town ended disastrously as Ricardo Davis, who came in for Orville Campbell in the 86th minute, lost possession with his very first touch.

Davis, playing at right back, was dispossessed by Glenroy Miller who crossed for Smith to score by placing his shot wide of the diving Devon Haughton in goal.

Smith, with his 11th goal of the season, has climbed to the top of the goalscoring chart ahead of Reno's Ricardo Scott and Leon Strickland of Arnett Gardens on 10 each.

Winning coach, Peruvian Daniel Barriga of Seba, was happy for the points but not satisfied with Seba's position in the table.

Barriga

Said Barriga: "No satisfaction because Seba need more and right now we are working for this. Seba playing well and recuperating. Seba have excellent players only to wake up the talent."

Meanwhile August Town's coach, Hugh McCarthy, looked a worried man after seeing his team lose their third straight game.

Said McCarthy: "I am very disappointed of course but we cannot change the result. We were looking forward to getting the three points but it did not happen today."

In the JFF Under 21 competition, August Town emerged 2-0 winners to remain in seventh position on 19 points.

August Town 0

Seba United 1

(Wilfred Smith 87th)