Highgate capitalise as Montego Bay United see red

BUFF BAY, Portland:Coach Michael Smith left Lynch Park in Buff Bay, Portland, smiling en route to neighbouring St Mary, following Highgate's hard fought victory against Montego Bay United on Wednesday in a National Premier League encounter.

Anthowe Dawkins scored the lone goal in the 86th minute.

The match took a turn in the home team's favour after two MoBay United players were sent off in the second half when the game was 0-0.

"The team showed character here today," said Smith. "Yes, we got many scoring opportunities, however, three points were secured despite the many misses. This team has the potential to do well against any team in the league, and I believe the guys are determined to prove that."

The first half saw the two new teams to the Premier League being somewhat unsettled, as they fought for supremacy.

However, at the start of the second half, Montego Bay started to settle down and built attacks through Adrian Robinson, who at times mesmerised Highgate's defence, but his shots were either off target or were saved by the goalkeeper.

At the other end, Highgate started to counter-attack through Dennis Neish and Gawayne Speed but poor finishing prevented them from breaking the deadlock.

Montego Bay were reduced to 10 players when Graeme Green got his second booking and was shown a red card by referee Valdin Legister in the 67th minute.

another player sent off

Less than three minutes later, they were further reduced to nine players when Iton Scott brought down Ranike Anderson and was sent packing in the 70th minute.

Highgate then capitalised on their two-man advantage and were rewarded in the 86th minute, after Omar Christie brought down Horace James just outside the penalty area.

Dawkins fired a powerful right-footer, which went low and to the right of the wall, beating goalkeeper Garen Downie for a one-nil lead.

Losing coach Neider Dos Santos said his team played well despite the loss.

"Even when we lost two players, we were still competitive," Dos Santos said. "We will bounce back from this loss and it is going to be a long season and therefore we are not too worried at this time. Players will just have to adjust to the conditions and realise that this is the Premier League."