Portmore back on winning trail
Published:Monday | February 2, 2026 | 12:17 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Portmore United picked up their first win in four Jamaica Premier League matches after a Tarick Ximines goal gave them a 1-0 win over Cavalier at Ferdi Neita Park yesterday. It was Cavalier’s third consecutive defeat.
Portmore remained in third place in the standings with 36 points and coach Rodolph Austin was pleased to be back among the winners, and to get it against the champions was an added boost.
“It has been a while since our last win, but it’s football. It’s good to win against a team like Cavalier. It will give us some confidence going into the next game,” Austin said.
Montego Bay United are still on top of the league with 45 points after an emphatic 3-0 win over Chapelton Maroons. They are seven clear of Racing United, who defeated Spanish Town Police 3-1.
Portmore started positive and five minutes in, Jeovanni Laing had to make a desperate clearance to deny Emelio Rousseau’s dangerous cross. Moments later, Romeo Guthrie had a good opening but failed to make his effort really count.
Cavalier almost opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, but goalkeeper Daniel Russell tipped Christopher Ainsworth’s curling shot, which was headed for the top corner, for a corner kick.
Cavalier should have taken the lead just before the break but Luis Watson, at full stretch, could not keep his effort on the frame of an open goal.
Portmore started the second period very vibrant and Ronaldo Robinson should have scored after only five minutes.
However, Ximines put the home team in front when he powered home from a cross in the 68th minute.
Cavalier threw the entire kitchen sink at their opponents as they attempted to get back, but Portmore kept them at bay and always threatened on the counter.
“It was a tough game,” Austin continued. “I think we controlled the game and created a lot of chances. In the second half, we were able to capitalise on the one that we created.”
Although still in sixth place on 26 points after the match, Cavalier are in danger of slipping from the top six.
Despite the defeat, assistant coach of Cavalier David Laylor insisted it was one of their better displays and they were just missing the positive result.
“Today was one of our better games. We lost, but we played well. Games are won or lost on mistakes, and they capitalised on one of the mistakes we made,” he said.