Former champions Portmore United maintained their perfect start to the 2015 Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) with a 1-0 victory over Rivoli United at the Spanish Town Prison Oval on Sunday.

Iishmale Currie scored the all-important goal for Portmore in the 25th minute when he easily tapped home from close range ahead of a struggling Jovell Plunkett in Rivoli United’s goal.

The match started shakily for both teams as they failed to keep possession of the ball. However, it was Portmore who sparkled first when Roberto Johnson struck a powerful right-footed shot from 30 yards out, but his curling shot was tipped over the crossbar by Plunkett.

Currie then benefited from a mistake by a Rivoli defender and converted to give Portmore the lead in the 25th minute, and ultimately the victory.

The match then got heated in the 34th minute when Raymond Williamson of Rivoli United got a straight red card for striking Portmore’s Upston Edwards in the face after a confrontation. Edwards was then cautioned by referee Veralton Nembhard. That was all the excitement for first-half with Portmore leading 1-0.

Rivoli United came out in the second half more focused in search of an equaliser, but failed to put away their chances on numerous occasion.

The Spanish Town-based team came close in the 47th minute when Cory Burke’s low, powerful shot hit the side net.

Portmore hit back in the 55th minute when Ricardo Morris’s volley grazed Rivoli United’s crossbar.

Rivoli kept pressing for the equalising goal, but Portmore kept their composure and held on for their second victory from as many games.

Teams:

Portmore United — Sean Shaven Paul, Omar Daley (Sievon Thompson 80th), Damono Solomon, Ryan Wellington, Stephen Williams, Roberto Johnson, Ewan Grandison, Kemar Phillpott (Suelae McCalla 63th), Paul Wilson, Ricardo Morris, and Iishmale Currie.

Sub not used: Tyrone Williams, Upston Edwards, Osani Ricketts, Jennings, and Aldaine Grant.

Booked: Edwards (29th), Phillpott (45th), Johnson (81st)

Rivoli United — Jovell Plunkett, Fabian Gordon, Kemar Bennett, Liston James, Tory Moulton, Raymond Williamson, Jeremy Nelson(Lenworth Pine 38th), Luke Soares, Cory Burke, Daniel Roberts (Kevaughn Russell 38th), and Ross Burton.

Sub not used: Damian Campbell, Kevin Graham, Junior McGregory, Kenny Lee, and Odain Brown.

Booked: Williamson (29th, red-carded), Burke (64th)

Referee: Veralton Nembhard

Assistant Referees: Nicholas Anderson, Ojay Duhaney

Fourth Official: Deneon Parchment

Match Commissioner: Horace Lewis

— Ruddy Allen