Georges, Portmore draw 1-1

Gareth Davis Sr, Gleaner Writer

Portmore United's coach Linval Dixon left Lynch Park on Sunday in a celebratory mood, following their 1-1 draw with St Georges in their Digicel Premier League match-up.

However, he lauded the effort of opposing striker, Devor Orgill, who mesmerised his defence and scored St Georges' goal at the 53rd minute.

Tremaine Stewart netted the equaliser for Portmore United at the 69th. And when Orgill was kicked in the chest by a defender inside the 18 yard box in the 35th minute, St Georges was awarded a penalty by referee Lewin Purser.

St Georges got an outstanding chance to score again after being awarded a penalty, but specialist kicker Dwayne Holmes placed his right-footed shot to the left of goalkeeper Garice McPherson and it was brilliantly saved.

The Portmore United coach, who was in a jubilant mood, said that his young team was mentally and physically prepared for the tough away assignment at a ground where they had never tasted victory.

High-quality player

"Orgill is undoubtedly a high-quality centre forward," said Dixon. "His dribbles, passes, control and the ability to beat players is basically magical. And, to top it off, he kicks with both feet. I am grateful for the draw, and I believe both teams played their hearts out. It is not easy coming down here and getting a point, so I believe the job was well done."

Orgill gave the homesters the lead in spectacular fashion. After receiving a pass from Shawn Hunter, he beat three defenders before kicking into the left-hand corner from just inside the 18-yard box.

Portmore responded well after falling behind and drew level in the 69th minute when in-form striker Steven Morrissey capitalised on a defensive error by Holmes, who was caught flat-footed, and went by the defender. His cross was met close to the six-yard box by Stewart, who tapped the ball into the goal.

St Georges' coach Braxton Hyre was pleased with the point. However, he mentioned that his team had the better scoring opportunities.

"We are off the mark now," he said. "And I know this will only get better. The team is back in focus now and the training sessions are going very well. Portmore really stood up to the challenge, so I guess it worked out well for us both."