Portmore United blew a two-goal cushion and had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Tivoli Gardens in an exciting game Digicel Premier League game at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex yesterday.

Portmore United with the point climbed a spot to seventh with 23 points, while Tivoli Gardens dropped a spot to third on 38.

Portmore, who had not won in their last seven matches dating back to November 29, came out flying and surprised the champions.

Ricardo Cousins gave Portmore United the lead in the 30th minute after he latched onto a long pass and unleashed a powerful shot which goalkeeper Edsel Scott did well to get a hand to.

Carlington Smith doubled Portmore’s lead in the 63rd minute with a header from just outside the box after an out of position Scott failed to make a clearance.

But just when it seemed Portmore were well on their way to a rare win, captain Christopher Jackson stepped up and provided a lifeline for Tivoli.

In the 64th minute, Jackson’s curling left-footed free kick from the right flank somehow eluded goalkeeper Dwayne Kerr at his near post making it 2-1.

Immediately, Portmore’s coach Linval Dixon went into the defensive mode by bringing on Tyrone Sawyers for goalscorer Smith in the 81st minute.

Tivoli’ coach Lenworth Hyde went on the offensive bringing on Owen Powell for Damion Gordon, Jermaine Ricketts for Horace Sharpe and Jameel Thompson for workhorse Steve Green and it paid dividends.

Thompson burst down the left flank and his well-weighted cross was missed by the onrushing Powell but Jackson was there to head home from close range in the 88th minute.

Teams:

Tivoli Gardens — Edsel Scott, Dwight Heron, Victor Thompson, Rupert Murray, Christopher Jackson, damion Gordon (Owen Powell 63rd), Steve Green (Jameel Thompson 76th), Keammar Daley, Horace Sharpe (Jermaine Ricketts 69th), Navion Boyd, Dane Kelly.

Subs not used: Horaito Brown, Kemar Flemmings, Jermaine Taylor, Kevin Blackford.

Booked: Gordon (58th), Thompson (93rd)

Portmore United — Dwayne Kerr, Sheldon Battiste, Adrian Reid, Andre Campbell, Shauntel Mundle, Mario Harrison, Ricardo Cousins, Kemeel Wolfe (Steven Morrisey 69th), Gary McIntosh (Roen Nelson 81st), Carlington Smith (Tyrone Sawyers 81st)

Subs not used: Maurice Evans, Adrian Mitchell, Bryan Bayliss, Kamaar Bennett

Booked: McIntosh (20th), Battiste (32nd), Kerr (75th), Harrison (83rd), Morrissey (93rd)

Referee: Dwight Royal

Assistant Referees: Kedlee Powell, Antonette Williams

Fourth Official: Karl Tyrell

Match Commissioner: Martin Lyn

Assessor: Lance Livingston