Buff Bay, Portland — Defending champions Harbour View pipped 10-man St Georges SC on Sunday in their Digicel Premier League game at Lynch Park.
Kamar Petrekin (53rd) and Romario Campbell (80th) were on target for the victors, while Girvan Brown (64th minute) replied for St Georges.
In a keenly contested game, Harbour View had a slight advantage of the first half as they launched a number of attacks led by Marcelino Blackburn, Petrekin, Rafeik Thomas and Campbell, but Richardo Taylor, Jermaine Taylor, Andre Thomas and Shawn Hunter defended stoutly.
St Georges countered through Leon Irving, Horace James and Dever Orgill, but they could not find at way through Montrose Phinn, Dicoy Williams and Jaron Richards.
St Georges were reduced to 10 players when Orgill and Kimarllie Brissett were involved in a tussle, and Orgill was penalised immediately sent to the showers by referee Kevin Thomas for violent conduct in the 36th minute. Brissett was also cautioned.
The second half saw Harbour View taking early advantage of the extra player and earned two quick corners. They took the lead when St Georges lost the ball in midfield and Jaron Richards passed to Petrekin, who fired past Randal Huie to his left, as the ball lodged into the net.
A rejuvenated St Georges went into attack mode through Girvon Brown, Irving and Horace James. In a two-man combination they got the equaliser when Brown beat Michard Barrett just after the hour mark.
Harbour View regained the lead when Campbell slotted home, even as the home team protested for offside.
Winning coach Donovan Hayles was pleased with the result. “We had to fight hard to come away with a 2-1 victory and we are very happy getting the three points. St Georges did well and they are a difficult team to play despite down to 10 players. They did extremely well.”
Raymond Gordon was pleased with some aspects of his team’s game despite the loss. “I am disappointed but the officials have to do what they have to do. We got some chances that we did not take and if we don’t we can’t win these games. They played well with the 10 players as the red card to Orgill set us back.”