VILLAGE United moved two places out of the relegation zone in the Digicel Premier League (DPL) after a 1-0 win over Portmore United at the Ferdie Neita Sports Complex on Sunday.

Substitute Dino Williams grabbed the game’s only goal, heading home 12 minutes from time.

Coach Cassman Williams said he was always confident his team could get maximum points from the fixture and described the result as an important one for the Trelawny side in their fight against relegation.

“We have been playing well the last few games, and we have not conceded a goal in five games, but we are hoping that we can maintain this particular form because we are aiming for the top six,” he said.

Portmore’s coach Neville Bell said his team grew frustrated and the visitors took advantage.

“We played well in the firsthalf and had a number of chances, but in the end I thought probably Village deserved it because the last 20 minutes they dominated.

“But we were so disappointed on not scoring early and we just gave up,” he explained.

The result left former champions Portmore United one from bottom of the 12-team table on 27 points from 26 games, just a solitary point ahead of another struggling former champions, Arnett Gardens. In realising their 11th defeat of the season (five at home), Portmore have managed just 16 goals for and 23 against, with only six wins and nine draws.

The home team started better and got close in the opening minutes through Gary McIntosh.

The big striker then turned well on a cross from Andre Campbell only to direct his effort wide of the target.

However, the more the game went on the more the host appeared to lack ideas upon reaching the final third.

Village, on the other hand, struggled to get going, but started to come into their own when Omar Allen fired a shot just wide from the edge of the penalty box.

The visitors then started to grow in confidence and were keen on shooting from outside the area.

And they came the closest to scoring in the 35th minute when Oliver Trail exchanged passes with Fitzroy Campbell, but the latter’s well-driven shot from 20 yards was tipped over by Duwayne Kerr.

However, McIntosh responded for Portmore moments later, but his closerange header was blocked by a defender.

After the break, Portmore introduced Wolry Wolfe and Roen Nelson 12 minutes into the half and they seemed to have stabilised the team somewhat.

Nelson had a great chance to put his team ahead on the hour, but after shrugging off his defender he failed to do justice to his hard work by muffing his effort from 12 yards.

Ten minutes later, Mario Swaby smashed a half-volley that missed the upright as the host improved.

But Village slowly regained their control in midfield and penetrated the Portmore defence on a number of occasions.

Then in the 78th minute, after a good build-up, Troy Smith relayed the ball on the right for Everton Mullings, whose cross was met firmly at the near-post by Williams.

The ball then rebounded off the post and onto the outstretched Kerr and back into the goal.

The home team tried desperately to salvage the points afterwards but found a spirited Village team up to the challenge.

Teams

Portmore United — Duwayne Kerr, Anthony Modeste, Adrian Reid, Andre Darby, Adrian Mitchell, Andre Campbell, Michael Binns, Mario Swaby, Bryan Bayliss (Wolry Wolfe 57th), Steven Morrissey (Tremaine Stewart 77th), Gary McIntosh (Roen Nelson 57th). Booked: Reid (59th), Mitchell (90th+).

Subs not used: G McPherson, S Baptiste, S Mundle, JR Doyley.

Village United — Oliver Trail, Troy Smith, Lance Laing, Orlando McBayne, Omar Allen (Allan Ottey 79th), Ladale Richie (Everton Mullings 67th), Delroy Ellis, Ryan Cooper, Andre Moore (Dino Williams 65th), Fitzroy Campbell, Jerome Ecceleston.

Booked: Moore (51st), Campbell (89th).

Subs not used: C Simpson, D Henry, N Barrett, E Hart.

Referee: Karl Tyrell

Assistant Referees: Ricardo Morgan, Lloyd Edwards

Fourth Official: Carvel Banton Match Commissary: Ukel Campbell