Gareth Davis Sr., Freelance Writer

Portmore United striker Onandi Lowe (centre) is upended by a challenge from Waterhouse centre-half Noel Edwards (left), right in the midst of a sea of Waterhouse players, during the Cash Plus Premier League football match at Drewsland Mini-Stadium on Sunday. Waterhouse won 1-0. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Two goals in each half enabled home team St. Georges FC of Portland to defeat Village United 2-1 in an evenly contested game at Lynch Park, Buff Bay, on Sunday, in the Cash Plus Premier League.

In front of a large home crowd which backed them all the way to the last whistle, St. Georges opened the scoring in the 27th minute after they were awarded a penalty, when Damion Harwood was brought down inside the 18-yard box. Omar Brissett then stepped forward and placed the spot kick to the left of the goalkeeper.

Afterwards, Village United FC launched a series of attacks through the skilful Fabian Dawkins, Rohan Reid, Omar Allen and Troy Smith, but were denied by stout defending from Gary Banton, Brissett, Dwayne Holmes and Danian Reid of Georges, who were determined to keep them at bay.

The game soon petered out into an exchange of counter-attacks, but poor finishing denied either team and the first half ended with St. Georges maintaining the 1-0 advantage.

The start of the second half produced a new look and determination from the Village team, which threw everything at St. Georges in an attempt to draw level. They were rewarded just two minutes after the restart when Donovan Davis handled a ball in the 18-yard box. Referee Hughill Thompson pointed to the penalty spot and the busy Fabian Dawkins converting the goal.

St. Georges did not drop its head and spurred on by their home crowd, stepped up the tempo through Brisset, Harwood, Denroy Dennis and Omar Henderson, as they went all-out in attack.

In the 53rd minute, St. Georges surged ahead after Ricardo Taylor bundled his way past two defenders, then slot home from inside the 18-yard box.

Village threw everything

Thereafter, Village threw everything they had at St. Georges, but good defending and outstanding goalkeeping by Anthoneil Williams, ensured a victory that lifted them to four points from two games, following the Portland team's opening round draw at champions Harbour View.

Winning coach, Donovan Duckie, said it was the kind of result he wanted. He added that the win is a major boost for his promoted team going into next Sunday's game against a formidable opponent in August Town FC at the University of the West Indies field.

Christopher Russell, Village's coach, blamed the loss on tardiness and complacency. He noted that a similar situation took place during their first game against Tivoli Gardens, which robbed them of a victory as they led 2-0 only to be pegged back for a draw inside the final 10 minutes.

St. George's 2

Omar Brissett 27th

Ricardo Taylor 53rd

Village 1

Fabian Dawkins 47th