The availability of many national players on both sides for reigning Premier League Champions Portmore United and Federation Knockout Champions Harbour View never produced goals but did give the fair sized crowd a lot of quality football to watch as the Christmas season approaches. Visiting Harbour View residents from the USA graced our presence with the likes of Damani Ralph the “MLS Rookie of the Year” Wolde Harris of the Kansas City Wizards who finished fourth in the League and the energetic twin sister of coach Donovan Hayles, Lisa, her husband Bill and son Craig, Western Sports owner Carl Chang also made a rare appearance – all the best for the season.

Stand-in Harbour View Captain always threatened to score from early on as he circled the Portmore penalty area like a predator seeking his prey. His rasping 18 yard drive was excellently handled by the ever competent Shawn Sawyers in goal who tipped it over the crossbar for a corner, the resulting Jermaine Hue was met by the diving header from Lovell Palmer but deflected off a defender for the first of two more corner kicks that was scrambled out of the danger area. Fabian shot wide of the mark when his one-timer from a Conrad Hunte square was miscued from the left side of the box 15 yards out.

The lead role of former Premier League record goalscorer Oniel McDonald made little impact as he and his teammates fired speculate shots only from the midfield area seemingly with measured confidence that never troubled A half chance by the towering centre forward Dwayne Peters drifted wide as sweeper William Richards tried to play him offside on top of the box.

The first half ended much like the pattern of the game throughout with good midfield play by both teams both countered by defensive alertness marshalled the custodians Leeroy Grey and Shawn Sawyers. However the habit of stopping the ground advances of the Harbour View playmakers by way of fouls brought out the yellow card distribution of FIFA Referee Hughill Thompson once too often as he issued a Red Card to Jermaine Benjamin in minute 78 for a foul on young Conrad Hunte just about the halfline. The fouls produced many freekicks from Jermaine Hue just outside the area but defensive wall was more successful at blocking than was the kicks threatening save for one beauty the shaved the outside of the far upright. His best effort from 17 yards out was hit straight at the head of Sawyers who was quite pleased to parry over the bar for one of five corners throughout the game.

The full slate of chances failed to alter the scoreline as the intense football tactics ruled over individual brilliance both teams left without losing a though not wanting to admit it would feel satisfied as they look forward to the next round of games.

The Under 21 game ended with Portmore United winning by 2-1 as a double by Shawn Tavares bettered the solo effort of league leading goalscorer Kemar Petrekin.

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