Oniel “Bigga” Smith’s perfect lob does the trick.
In a keenly contested game that could have gone either way, a swift half-line interception from ace National defender Jermaine Taylor was quickly converted into the most deadly counter-attacking move, swung to the far post onto the head of Gregg Taylor who headed into the path of Oniel Smith on the edge of the area.
In a classical manoeuver, he pivoted as he controlled the ball then his perfectly weighted lob embarrassed National Goalkeeper Shawn Sawyers who had advanced a few paces to block the drive in the 40th minute.
The half ended at the same 1-0 advantage to the “Stars of the East” as they survived an early scare as National Under 20 goalkeeper, Dwayne Miller made an astonishing save from point blank range in minute 24.
Rapturous applause exploded around the ground as a series of strikes on goal was stubbornly defender by the entire Portmore backline to block shots from Kavin Bryan, then Gregg Taylor before it rebounded all the way to the half-line for Oniel Smith’s long range effort to drift inches wide of the goalpost, with Sawyers beaten and desperately trying to get back into his goal.
In the presence of new Technical Director Velibor “Bora” Munitinovic the sleigh of National Players, past and present, exhibited the skills but the nature of the game quickly veered from passing to tackling as the rush for points was primarily on the minds of both Coaches.
The combative game simmered in the second half but no goals ensued as disciplined defensive approaches of the coaches dominated the proceedings.
Harbour View hence joined Waterhouse as leaders of the League both on 34 points following Waterhouse’s 1-1, drawn game against Arnett Gardens.
Under 21:
Eric Vernan’s 22nd minute convertion was enough to gain victory over the hosts who put up a gallant effort particularly in the second half but could not breach the solid defensive network set up by Portmore United.
Harbour View travels to the western Jamaica this week to take on Village United in midweek followed by Wadadah on the weekend.