As the third Round began at the Compound where the “Stars of the East” turned in a workmanlike performance to etch an important 1-0 defeat over the Trelawny based campaigners, Village United.
Stacking six or seven defensive players behind the ball at all times, Harbour View kept pushing forward relentlessly epitomized by a stinging left-footed 34 yards drive from left back, Lance Laing in the 27th minute that brought out a full length dive from the big six-footer, Jacomena Barrett tipping it for a corner.
A long pass into the opponents penalty area had Marcelino Blackburn chasing the bouncing ball but he was trampled upon by the husky custodian, Barrett stepping on his lower back. The penalty awarded but kicked high by Captain, Jermaine Hue.
Lovel Palmer’s bomb had goal written on it until a defender wandered into its path to block, Kavin Bryan wormed his way into the area before finishing wide as the half closed goal-less.
Village United seemed rooted mentally and physically in their half of the field, strangely not offering much offensive attempts with the likes of Fabian Dawkins, Troy Smith and the international striker, Teofore Bennett to add from the bench, remained impotent.
Coach, Mervin White must have been savouring the thoughts of his record of not losing since taking over but played a dangerous defensive game against a team that enjoys going forward always.
Going in the opposite direction, Harbour View wasted more goalscoring chances when Palmer whipped in a left-footed cross that was missed by Denzil Watson.
The substitution bringing new dimensions to the attack, produced a sharp chance from the corner kick by Hue onto the head of Jomo Gordon but he flashed it wide from 8 yards. Laing also curled another which substitute Gordon failed to get pass a widely spread Barrett in goal to make yet another telling save from point blank range.
Another freekick produced a goal from the boots of defender Dicoy Williams which was ruled offside in the 62nd minute.
With scores announced from the other games around the league being favourable the motivation kicked in for a victory march and the sweeping possession allowed enough time for central defender Williams to overlap, un-noticed into the box.
The ball relayed into his path in the 76th minute, he casually glided it pass the advancing goalkeeper Barrett into the back of the net and leapt joyously punching the air while igniting the team, squad and supporters.
Never in trouble of losing the game Harbour View manipulated possession to assure victory was achieved to resume the league leadership on 44 points but a superior goal difference of four goals over Portmore United.