Carlington Smith’s late strike helped sink champions Harbour View as they were beaten 1-0 by visitors Benfica in a Digicel Premier League football match at the Harbour View Mini Stadium on Sunday.

Smith broke through a tussle inside the area in the 86th minute to safely kick the ball into the far right of goal. The winner came as the encounter seemed destined to end goal-less after both teams alternated control and missed opportunity after opportunity to go in front.

Andre Fagan tried to take advantage of an opening in the eighth minute but his left sided cross from 18 yards lacked accuracy and went sailing past the left goal post and never troubled the goalkeeper.

The visitors began to gather some measure of composure as it became clear they were not about to lay down and let the home side roll over them putting up a stiff challenge to the home side. Wolry Wolfe was left stymied after his 20th minute attempt went bouncing off the right post.

Wolfe had broken through a thicket to create an opening and with the target directly in his view took his shot. Jermaine Hue was stretchered off in the 23rd minute in tears after he twisted his ankle.

Benfica were the ones in charge firing a number of shots for which Harbour View seemed to have no answer. Gregory Tape’s strike hit the outside of the net not long after Craig Gordon’s kick went flying over the goal. All this as the home side were still trying to find a way to get the ball back into their half.

Benfica were the ones in charge firing a number of shots for which Harbour View seemed to have no answer. Gregory Tape’s strike hit the outside of the net not long after Craig Gordon’s kick went flying over the goal. All this as the home side were still trying to find a way to get the ball back into their half.

Harbour View coach Donovan Hayles told the Observer that he was disappointed. “I had said to the players that Benfica would not be an easy team and it proved tonight,” he said. “I must give credit to Benfica.”

Benfica’s Vanie Clarke said the victory was well deserved: “We played a good tactical game. Playing the champions and to come and get three points is absolutely incredible,” he said.