The former champions had entered Sunday’s game on the back of two successive defeats, and might even be a bit fortunate not to have suffered a third at the Effortville Community Centre.

They weren’t outplayed, but were twice saved by the frame of the goal before midfield enforcer Ewan Grandison gifted them the winner in the 77th minute.

The former Lennon High captain fired home from a direct corner kick which somehow managed to elude the entire Humble Lion rearguard on its way into the net.

With this result, the promoted Portmore outfit increased their tally to 34 points from 18 games, which ensured that they ended 2015 joint atop the points standing with Montego Bay United, but in second place with an inferior goal difference; a feat that Technical Director Andre Waugh said is crucial to their long-term ambitions.

“Regardless of the streak, we needed a win because we always want to win,” said Waugh.

“[This] is very significant for us,” he continued, “because playing against Humble Lion, there is always a rivalry and it brings the best out of our players.”

Waugh admitted that there were concerns about their mini dip in form, which included 1-2 and 0-3 home defeats to Cavalier and Boys’ Town.

“We know it is still early in the season, but we had to get back to the mindset that brought us where we are. And today you could see that the players were a lot more disciplined and organised, and they fought for 90 minutes,” he reasoned.

And even as they enjoy a good run of form after 18 games, Waugh stressed that their ultimate ambition is to win a sixth Premier League title, despite only returning to the top flight this season.

“It is a very good season so far, but ultimately it is what happens at the end that will determine where we are,” he said.

“We are working towards the championship and Champions League football, and, at the moment, we recognise that it is still a work in progress, but we must give credit to the players and the management for charting a pathway.”