Humble Lion……………………………1

Hyde Jnr (90th)

Sporting Central………………………2

St Fleur (31st), Gray (36th)

SPORTING Central Academy held off a late Humble Lion rally for a deserved 2-1 win in yesterday’s Clarendon derby at Effortville, which extended their winning steak in National Premier League to three games.

Bahamian striker Lesly St Fleur notched the opener for Sporting with a delightful burst of speed that took him past defender Ricardo Campbell, before beating goalkeeper Philmore Crumbie at his near post.

Hughan Gray then gave the visitors a healthy 2-0 lead at the break after receiving another defence-splitting pass, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted into an empty net.

But Humble Lion would, however, ensure a nervous end to the game as their second-half pressure paid off with a Lenworth Hyde Jnr poking home Wolry Wolfe’s rebounded penalty on the stroke of full-time.

Sporting goalkeeper Sanchez Lloyd had denied Wolfe from the penalty spot with a brilliant double save, but was helpless as Hyde Jnr prodded on the third attempt.

The loss was a rude awakening for Humble Lion and coach Lenworth Hyde Snr as they were not only facing defeat for a second time at home this season, but were also outplayed for much of the game.

Despite the defeat, the Effortville team still sit in a better position than at this stage than last season as they should at least remain outside of the drop-zone with six points.

Sporting’s victory, on the other hand, will see them consolidating their top-four status, but the true test of character for Vassell Reynolds and his young side lies ahead as they look to build on this positive start.

In another early game, Highgate came from behind to defeat Village United 2-1 at Lynch Park.

Teams:

Humble Lion — Philmore Crumbie, Ricardo Campbell, Kirk Duckworth, Mark Miller, Kenny Lee (Omando McLeod 52nd), Tyrone Sawyers, Sean Coleman, Michael Blygen (Oneke Ford 52nd), Wolry Wolfe, Kevin Mighty (Lenworth Hyde Jnr 52nd), Kevin Lamey.

Subs not used: Adrian Mitchell, Kimroy Davis, Omar Walters, Damion Crooks.

Booked: Duckworth (17th), Campbell (65th)

Sporting Central — Linval Lewis, Dale Watson, Marlon Allen, Gregory Lewis, Camaal Reid, Kadian Wynter, Hughan Gray, Francois Swaby (Levaughn Williams 56th), Lesly St Fleur (Trevol Smith 71st), Jamoly Powell (Michael Plummer 81st) Sanchez Lloyd.

Subs not used: Tristan Huntley, Owen Gordon, Andre Allen, Oneil Rose.

Booked: Reid (54th), Lloyd (89th)

Referee: Valdin Ledgister

Assistants: Richard Washington, Dwayne Panton

Fourth Official: Carvel Banton

Match Commissary: Dave Galloway

— Oshane Tobias