Paul Clarke, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:Dwayne Campbell scored to give Sporting Central Academy a useful 1-0 win over cellar team Savannah Sports Club in their Red Stripe Premier League football match at Frome Sports Complex yesterday.

Midfielder Campbell scored at the 51st minute in a game that featured several missed opportunities. As the chances came few and far between, Sporting Central stepped up the pressure in the second half and were rewarded through Campbell's header after he latched on to a pass inside the box.

The lead was almost doubled seven minutes later, when substitute Corey Hylton's pile-driver crashed onto the crossbar and rebounded into play.

"It certainly was not the prettiest of games; we got the desired result in the end, which is three points, but it was not easy on the eyes," explained Vassell Reynolds, the Sporting Academy coach.

HARD WORK PAYS OFF

"We asked them at half-time just to keep working hard and we eventually scored. I would think it's deserved although we struggled for portions of the match," he added.

Sporting now have 24 points, while Savannah extended their miserable run in their Premier League debut season, as they stayed rooted to the bottom of the standings on 11.

Interim Savannah coach, Everton Tomlinson, was diplomatic in his post-match interview, telling The Gleaner that in spite of yet another loss at home, signs that the team was coming together were evident.

"I honestly feel satisfied. Today I saw the effort from the players. So although we gave up a soft goal, I saw greater effort. That aside, we are going through serious struggles in this our first season in the league, so yes, changes are needed at this time.

"The most I can ask these players to do is to continue playing hard and passionate football," said Tomlinson.