IT was mixed emotions for Portmore United’s coach Calvin Lewis as his new team battled to an exciting 0-0 draw with his former club Highgate United in their National Premier League (NPL) match at Ferdie Neita Park on Sunday night.

Lewis was the coach at the helm of Highgate United in their historic promotion to the nation’s highest league but then he could not refuse the lure of coaching former four-time champions Portmore United when the opportunity came knocking at his door.

Lewis led Portmore United to victories in their first two games against Clarendon teams Sporting Central Academy and Humble Lion and are on seven points in third spot.

He said the result could have gone either way.

“It was a tough game as Highgate were coming here to prove a point against me and I guess we played into their hands today, playing a lot of long balls and Highgate have a tall backline,” Lewis said.

He continued: “We should have stuck to our game plan, knocking around the ball as we did in our first two games, but we didn’t. But a draw is favourable today as the game could have gone either way as both teams got opportunities to score.”

Lewis was pleased that his former club still showed that fighting spirit that brought them in the NPL.

“It was a nice feeling. Today was like a family day for me. The Highgate family is here and the Portmore family is here and I like the showing today. They showed that they still have that guts and determination and I wish them all the best,” noted Lewis.

Highgate, who were drawing their second consecutive match following last week’s 2-2 result with Harbour View, are up to ninth with two points.

Head coach Braxton Hyre said he was disappointed, despite getting a point on the road.

“It was a good point away from home, but I am a little disappointed because we created too many scoring chances and fell short with the finishing.

“But it was a plus because we didn’t give up any goals. In our two first games we gave up five goals, so it is a big improvement to keep a clean sheet and it is a sign of improvement and we hope to build on this,” he added.

New boys Highgate are ahead of Boys’ Town, Montego Bay United and Village United in the 12-team league and coach Hyre is fairly satisfied.

“You have to be able to compete in this league or you will be kicked out to the regular parish league and we are here and would like to stay in the premier league. We are representing the eastern (parishes) and we hope to stay in the league,” he concluded.