Harbour View climb into second

Nodley Wright, Gleaner Writer

Defending champions Harbour View were the biggest gainers in the top five of the Digcel Premier League, on a day when there were a number of crucial slips.

The 'Stars of the East' climbed to second spot with 45 points up from fifth following their 1-0 win over Waterhouse at the Harbour View Mini-Stadium. Portmore United following their 0-1 loss to St Georges slipped to third on goal difference while Waterhouse slipped from third to fifth with Boys' Town remaining steady in fourth. Tivoli Gardens remain in the lead on 48 points despite their 1-0 loss to Humble Lion.

Defender Christopher Harvey provided the vital strike in the seventh minute for Harbour View as he rose unchallenged to head home a Jermaine Hue corner past goalkeeper Richard McCallum. It was a victory Harbour View knew they did not really deserve.

Impressive defence

Waterhouse had a number of opportunities that they should have made the most of, but Dicoy Williams and company were impressive in defence.

"It was not one of our better games but more importantly we got all three points and sometimes that counts more than the quality of your play, so I am very pleased with the three points but disappointed with the performance of the team overall," an honest Harbour View coach Donovan Hayles said at the end of the game as he assessed his team's performance.

"I was disappointed with our ball possession. We never had that flowing ball possession. Early in the first half I think we did some good movements. We had a plan how to play Waterhouse and it was well executed especially in the first half," Hayles said of his team which is known for their ball possession and artistry especially when Hue plays.

Hayles was full of credit for the Waterhouse team.

"I don't think it was that we did not want to maintain ball possession, but it was that Waterhouse did not give us the opportunity and really took over the game and were doing far better than us and what we had to resort to was how well we could defend and we did that excellently," explained the former national goalkeeper.

Despite the loss, Waterhouse coach Baris Johnson remained positive.

"I think it was a good game. We gave up a soft goal, but we dominated the game and it is just a pity that we did not get on the score sheet. I think Harbour View defended stoutly. I am not disappointed as we are still within touching distance of the leaders. We just have to go back to the training ground and correct a few things," a relaxed Johnson said.

"The team is in good shape, the team is in good form. As we said, we are just trying to maximise the third round to see how many points we could pick up. I think the guys fought hard today and we really prepared for it. It is just unfortunate that we came out on the losing side today. When you look at the performance, no doubt, we deserved a point from the game."

Sunday's matches

• Portmore Utd vs Humble Lions
• Reno vs Harbour View
• Sporting vs Benfica
• Tivoli Grds. vs St. Georges
• Village United vs Boys' Town
• Waterhouse vs Arnett Gardens