EFFORTVILLE, Clarendon — High-flying Humble Lions FC had their six-game unbeaten run in the third round of the Digicel Premier League snapped by a resilient Village United team, who are just shy of moving back into the top-six with a hard-fought 2-1 win at the Effortville Community Centre on Sunday.

Captain Troy Smith opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 26th minute, before Green Pond schoolboy standout Dino Williams doubled their advantage with a gem in the 73rd.

Village United are now on 36 points to share sixth place with Rivoli United, who edged St Georges SC 1-0 at Lynch Park, and coach Cassman Williams hopes that they can maintain this form until the end.

Former champions Harbour View lead the points standing with 60 after their 2-0 victory over nearest rivals and defending champions Tivoli Gardens (57 points) at Compound on Sunday. They are followed by Waterhouse on 43, St Georges SC on 42, Boys’ Town on 41. The lower half of the table sees Humble Lions, Arnett Gardens and August Town on 34, followed by Portmore United on 33 and Sporting Central Academy at the foot of the table on 30 points.

“We have always believed we can be in the top-four… we are sixth now and we can go fifth too, so we just need to maintain the way we have been performing.”

Humble Lions, who were losing for the first time since their 0-2 defeat to Tivoli Gardens at the start of the round, got their goal through Omando McLeod in the 89th minute to remain on 34 points.

Humble Lions’ Christopher Bender said “sometimes it is just not your day and probably today was just one of those days”.

Still on the hunt for valuable points to save themselves from relegation, both teams started the game with a mad rush, as they excited the bumper crowd with some well-constructed passes.

In the seventh minute, Humble Lions’ Jeffery Baker left two defenders for dead down the right flank before turning in a telling cross that froze the entire Village back line, including teammate Denzil Watson, who was hanging at the back post.

Moments later, Village replied in like manner, but Dino Williams’ speculative volley kick from inside the box sailed ‘miles’ wide of the right upright.

Village, using their speed to their advantage, terrorised the home team defence with the fleet-footed Orlando McBayne taking charge of the right flank. And it was from one of these runs that they struck “goal”.

McBayne collected a pass in his stride, but his pace was too much for Tyrone Lampart, who could only succeed in fouling him in the box.

The ever-reliable Troy Smith stepped up and duly converted the 12-yard spot kick, leaving Shawn Sawyers with absolutely no chance of making a save.

The goal would eventually turn the pendulum in Village’s favour for the rest of the half, as they went into the break with a 1-0 lead.

Humble Lions started the second half anxious for the equaliser, as they rained down on their opponents’ goal, but they were to dealt a serious blow on 73 minutes when Williams, having collected a neat pass, turned his man before slotting past Sawyers for his third goal of the season.

The Lions would eventually roar back with a consolation goal through McLeod, a minute from time.

Teams: Humble Lions — Shawn Sawyers, Tyrone Lampart (Owen Gordon 46th), Roberto Fletcher, Errol Wilkie, Kimroy Davis (Kevin Mighty 60th) Phillip Fearon, Omando McLeod, Ricardo Campbell, Jeffery Baker (Damian Barrett 66th), Zico Herrera, Denzil Watson.

Subs not used: Sheldon Brown, Narado Brown, Omar Walters, Emile Thomas.

Booked: Lampart (25th), Herrera (52nd), Watson (76th).

Village United — Troy Smith (Shavar Campbell 90th+), Orlando McBayne, Cordel Simpson, Delroy Ellis, Dino Williams (Allan Ottey 80th), Ryan Cooper, Andre Moore, Fitroy Campbell, Derrick Henry, Jerome Ecceleston, Everett Mullings (Oliver Trail 62nd).

Subs not used: Ronique Francis, Ronaldo Rodney, Elvis Hart

Booked: None

Referee: Wilverglen Lamey Assistant Referees: Garnet Page, Ricardus Wilson Fourth Official: Kevin Morrison Match Commissary: Ewan Scott