Howard Walker, Staff Reporter
Portmore's substitute Ricardo Counsins (left) celebrates after scoring a goal, with Ryan Powell, in their Wray and Nephew National Premier League encounter at Ferdie Neita Park yesterday. Portmore won 1-0. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A 90TH minute strike by Ricardo Cousins led Portmore United to a 1-0 win over Village United in their Wray and Nephew National Premier League (NPL) game yesterday at Ferdie Neita Park.
Cousins, who came on with six minutes remaining, fired home from close range after being set up by a beautiful combination play between Kevin Deerr and Steven Morrissey.
Portmore which moved to 50 points to consolidate third position, looked all set to earn their table-topping 15th draw of the season before Cousins struck.
Portmore, with a little more luck throughout the season, could have been closer to the leaders. From 30 games they have won 12, drawn 14 and lost only four.
Village remain in fifth position on 45 points, but have played two more games than sixth-placed Boys' Town, whho were idle yesterday.
In a lacklustre performance, both teams got chances to score but failed to convert in a partially empty Ferdie Neita Park.
Jason Morrison, Kemeel Wolfe, Steven Morrissey, Mario Swaby and Kevin Deerr all missed goalscoring opportunities for Portmore.
For Village, the twin towers of Newton Sterling and Omar Allen also missed a couple.
Winning coach, Paul Young, said his team's inability to put away their opponents is the reason why they are out of the runnings for the title with 14 draws in 30 games.
"Sleepless days, sleepless nights," he said with a wry smile. "We play well in games, we get the chances and are just not converting the chances. That's the reason we are in this predicament right now."
He continued: "We never gave up. With about sixth minutes to go I looked at my bench and decided that we are going to give this youngster (Cousins) a chance and he scored."
Meanwhile Dr. Dean Weatherly, coach of Village, said his team turned in a hard fought but boring performance which he blames on the format of the competition at this stage.
"It was a hard fought game and was a little bit boring at times. At the end of the season sometimes the motivation is not there considering the league format," said Dr. Weatherly.
"But it was one of those days with a lack of concentration in the 90th minute when we should be tightening up with one point going back home. The defence line opened and allowed a very simple goal," he noted.
"In games like these when you get your chances and don't bury them it comes back to haunt you," added Dr. Weatherly.
GOALSHEET
Portmore United 1
Ricardo Cousins 90th
Village 0
