Portmore turn back Rivoli

Paul-Andre Walker, Staff Reporter

WRAY AND Nephew National Premier League champions Portmore United stayed on course for more silverware this season, as they won their first round Red Stripe Light Beach Football game against Rivoli United yesterday at the Hellshire beach.

Before Portmore United managed to eke out a 3-2 sudden- death penalty victory over their Premier League rivals, the day had got off to a high tempo start with Waterhouse coming out 7-5 winners in a goal feast with St. George's of Portland.

Vincent Earle turned hero in that affair, accounting for four of the seven goals, while Marlon Dyer scored a hat-trick for the losers.

DOWN TO THE WIRE

The second game of the day between Sandy Bay and defending local champs, Village, went down to the wire as well, when the latter managed to carve out a 3-2 victory.

Reno were in sublime form, passing around the ball smartly and got the ball past Los Perfectos' goalkeeper Fabian Dinnell five times before an own goal and an Antholow Dawkins goal gave the losers something to smile about.

Boys' Town suffered their first defeat as a Premier League team when they lost 3-2 to Arlington, while Holland Police upset Harbour View 5-4 in the penultimate game of the day.

Arnett Gardens were easy winners over Invaders in a 3-1 affair, while Wadadah had a close 6-5 victory over last year's second-placed local team Constant Spring.

In the feature game between Portmore and Rivoli there was no quarter given, as Sheldon Palmer's brace helped the Premier League champions stay in the game with Rivoli, who led with Planter assaults, as Dwayne bagged a brace, with Derrick knocking in their first goal.

The scores were kept level after Portmore's Craig Morrison and Jermaine Simpson got goals to make their team's tally four, and Luke Soares hit one home to keep Rivoli equal.

SUDDEN DEATH PENALTIES

The dreaded sudden death penalties were next, with Derrick Planter being the last man to miss giving Portmore a much celebrated victory if not much deserved.

After the game, Portmore coach Linval Dixon noted the differences in the game.

"We need to put the ball a little bit more on the floor but we are learning so we should get better," said Dixon.

Rivoli coach, Anthony Thompson, said his team enjoyed the game despite the result.

"This is enticing. People should come out and watch this. We are enjoying the football," he told would-be patrons.