Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

Waterhouse FC's Roberto Fletcher controls the ball ahead of Portmore United's captain Anthony Modeste (partly hidden) during the Wray and Nephew National Premier League match at Ferdie Neita Park in Braeton, St. Catherine, yesterday. The game ended 0-0. - Anthony Minott/Freelance Photographer

Defending champions Waterhouse and former champions Portmore United scuffled their way to yet another 0-0 draw as the Wray and Nephew National Premier League resumed at Ferdie Neita Park yesterday.

The result mirrored the one that the teams had back in September when Portmore visited the title holders' home ground and comes as no real surprise looking at the defensive record of both teams so far this season. The champs have conceded a stingy 10 goals while Portmore have let in just seven.

After an evenly-contested first half, it was Portmore who began the second half looking more likely to break the deadlock. Craig Morrison very nearly did in the 52nd minute as his fierce free-kick, whipped towards goal from the edge of the 18-yard area, deflected off the Waterhouse wall before narrowly dipping over the crossbar, leaving Waterhouse custodian Richard McCallum a mere spectator in the event.

McCallum would be more involved in the resulting corner, gathering an awkward attempt from centre half Anthony Modeste six yards away from goal. Title holders Waterhouse had their chance to take the lead in the 65th minute when Roberto Fletcher broke away down the right flank to deliver a dangerous-looking cross. However, situated on the edge of the penalty area, Waterhouse ace striker Kevin Lamey struggled to get to the ball and a weak attempt was deflected by Portmore custodian Shawn Sawyers.

Sawyers then gobbled up the follow-up attempt by midfield dynamo Damion Williams, who in truth never got any real power on his attempt.

"A point away from home without a few of our key players and not playing our best football is not a bad result for the team to get," said Waterhouse coach Barrington Gaynor whose team played without Vincent Earle and Desmond Breakenridge due to injuries and Weston Forrest, Demar Phillips and Oniel Thomas, due to suspension.

Not a great game

"However, I don't think we played exceptionally well. We were arguing a bit too much on the pitch, we weren't passing the ball around enough and we did not create the opportunities in front of goal," he added. Portmore coach Paul Young whose team was also short-staffed due to the absence of Demar Stewart, Jason Morrison and Rafei Wolfe, also thought his team could have had a better game.

"We started out well, had a good first 20 minutes, we had all the possession, but then we were up and down, lost our rhythm and they took control of the game," he said.

"We came back out in the second half and took control of the game. We got our chances but we just did not put them away," he pointed out.