Village ambush Harbour View

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Strugglers VillagE United handed champions Harbour View their fifth defeat of the 2010-11 Digicel Premier League season on Sunday night, turning in an interesting performance to come away with a 2-0 win at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay.

While they remain rooted in the cellar position in the 12-team competition, the Village United team, which went into the game in 11th place on nine points, increased their tally to 12. Despite their loss, Harbour View remain in the upper half on the standings on 16.

In easily their best performance since their late rally to save relegation last season, the Christopher Russell-coached Village United, which seemed to relish the conditions at Jarrett Park, got their goals through Oliver Trail in the first half and the fleet-footed Shavar Campbell in the second half.

"Our problem is not a lack of ability, but more a case of lacking in self-confidence, so we are happy we were able to show our worth tonight," said Russell. "However, while we are happy with this win, we still have a lot of work to do in terms of getting where we want to go."

For Harbour View, which played without their injured inspirational midfield star, Jermaine Hue, the defeat was accepted with a minimum of fuss as, according to their head coach, Donovan Hayles, there are no compelling reasons to get panicky at this time.

"Last year we started the competition in much the same way and gradually improved as the season progressed," said Hayles. "The first round is now over, so we will just put it behind us, regroup and get ready for the second round."

The Village United team, which has been struggling for goals all season, got the perfect start when Trail pounced on an aerial cross and left the Harbour View goalkeeper a mere spectator with his powerful header, making the score 1-0.

Brilliant save

Harbour View just missed making an immediate reply when Marcelino Blackburn curled a superb free kick goalwards, but he was denied by a brilliant save from goalkeeper Elvis Hart, who went full stretch to his left to parry the ball wide of the goal.

In the latter stages of the half, both teams got good chances. In the 41st minute, Andre Fagan wasted a glorious chance for Harbour View when he won possession before the goal, but fumbled and lost possession.

Two minutes later, Campbell wasted an equally easy chance for Village United, booting straight at the goalkeeper from close range.

The second half started with Village United again taking control and after coming close twice, they finally struck in the 65th minute. Following a series of blunders in the heart of the Harbour View defence, the ball fell kindly to Campbell, who calmly slotted home, making the score 2-0.

Harbour View missed another easy chance in the 72nd minute when substitute Jahmali Spence broke free before the goal, but his grounder was fired too close to goalkeeper Hart, who made a smart stop, effectively ending Harbour View's bid to get back into the game.

"I am particularly pleased that we did not give up any goals tonight because we have been leaking a lot of goals in recent games," said the victorious Russell. "We are hoping that this victory will signal a turn-around in form for this team."