We want to win the end-of-round final - Lewis

Anthony Minott, Freelance Writer

Coach of Portmore United, Calvin Lewis, is anxiously awaiting the challenge of Montego Bay United in the Red Stripe Premier League second end-of-round final slated for next Monday.

Portmore, the overall league leaders, reached the final after a 2-0 win over Village United at the Ferdie Neita Park, Braeton, on Wednesday night.

Montego Bay, who got only 10 points in the first round, transformed their season with 21-second round points. On Wednesday, they defeated Arnett Gardens 1-0, courtesy of an own goal.

"We definitely want to win the end-of-round final," Lewis said on Wednesday night. "We have played Montego Bay United twice and we know what they are about so aren't scared of them," he added.

Salvage point

The last time the teams met, Portmore had to come from 3-0 down to salvage a point in a 3-3 draw in St James. Portmore won the first matchup 2-1 at Ferdie Neita Park.

Portmore, the winners of the first end-of-round final, now have the opportunity to tuck away another trophy in addition to a cash prize. Coach Lewis said that he wants his team to keep winning.

"The end-of-round final carries a cash incentive and it's a motivating factor for the player. Winning the end-of-round final is also good for the club in general," he said.

Portmore made their intentions clear for Wednesday's game from the very beginning as they started their three top strikers - Alanzo Adlam Tremaine Stewart and Roen Nelson.

Stewart should have put Portmore ahead as early as the fourth minute, but failed to capitalise on a defensive mistake.

Portmore applied more pressure to a suspect Village defence and took the lead in the 25th minute when Nelson scored from close range following a cross from defender Rosario Harriot. They doubled their lead in the 38th minute. Stewart collected a pass from Nelson and made no mistake from close range with his fifth goal of the season.