BUFF BAY, Portland — Highgate United rallied from an early goal down to defeat Village United 2-1 at Lynch Park for their first victory

in this season’s National Premier League on Sunday.

Shavar Campbell put Village United ahead in the seventh minute before Gawayne Speed in the 34th minute and Romeo Parkes 21 minutes later replied for Highgate United.

Village United started at a swift pace and reaped early dividends when Campbell climbed high and headed past a helpless Rodney Hamilton in goal.

They continued to attack through Campbell, Dino Williams, Lacon Brissett, Orlando McLayne and Troy Smith without further success.

Highgate United drew when Donavan Davis squared and Gawayne Speed fired past custodian Andre Plummer to end the first half without any further goals.

Village United should have retaken the lead on the resumption as Brissett’s free kick just outside the penalty to Shaunavon McKenzie was fired over the crossbar. The victors made them pay shortly after when Richard Orrett’s free kick over the wall found the dependable Romeo Parkes, who took two strides before firing past Plummer.

Village United’s task became much more difficult when they were reduced to 10 players after referee Kevin Morrison sent Campbell off in the 66th minute for violent conduct.

Despite being a man short, Village United tried to get back in the game with Ronaldo Rodney, McLayne and Romaine Roberts driving forward, but they found defender Kwest Campbell a solid resistance.

Winning coach Braxton Hyre was pleased. “It was a difficult game and winning here at home is a well-deserved three points for us, having gone down to an early goal before getting back and winning. The game is dedicated to the community who deserves a win and

our manager.”

Cassman Williams, the coach of Village United, was disappointed. “We made two basic mistakes and it cost us. We missed a number of chances and that contributed to the loss,” he said.

TEAMS: Highgate United — Rodney Hamilton, Kwest Campbell, Anthowe Dawkins, Barrington James, Severo Murphy (Jerome Wedderburn 79th), Richard Orrett, Donavan Davis (Horace James 90th), Romeo Parkes (Luke Soares 73rd), Gawayne Speed, Shamir Stewart, Rankie Anderson.

Subs not used: Kevin Williams, Andre Dyce, David Boswell, Leighton Murray.

Booked: Dawkins (51st), James (56th), Stewart (66th).

Village United — Andre Plummer, Orlando McLayne, Shaunavon McKenzie, Nichlos Falconer (Andre Moore 68th), Shavar Campbell, Lacon Brissett, Andreas Nickles, Troy Smith (Romaine Roberts 44th), Valbert Campbell, Dino Williams, Jerome Eccleston (Ronaldo Rodney 59th).

Subs not used: Everton Richards, Romando Anderson, Ladale Richie

Booked: McLayne (75th), Williams (78th), Shavar Campbell (ejected 66th)

Referee: Kevin Morrison

Assistant Referees: Lloyd Reader, Lloyd Edwards

Fourth Official: Lewin Purser

Match Commissary: James Pearson

— Everard Owen