UWI FC returned to winning ways and to the top of the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) standings after getting by the struggling Boys’ Town FC 3-2 in a spirited encounter at Barbican Stadium yesterday.

UWI FC returned to winning ways and to the top of the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) standings after getting by the struggling Boys’ Town FC 3-2 in a spirited encounter at Barbican Stadium yesterday.

A brace by Anthony Greenland in the 14th and 68th minutes and Kemar Flemmings (66th) proved just enough for UWI, as Boys’ Town came roaring back with goals from Shamar Nicholson (81st) and Captain Michael Campbell (90th).

The university team, in their second season in the nation’s top flight, once again assumed pole position on 23 points, one ahead of defending champions Montego Bay United who blanked Arnett Gardens 2-0.

Meanwhile, the hapless Boys’ Town remain rooted at the foot of the 12-team standings with seven points.

At Barbican, the hosts started purposefully and came close in the early exchanges when Tkevin Garnett’s right-footed effort from deep inside the area forced custodian Amal Knight into a diving save with just five minutes on the board.

UWI quickly settled and were allowed too much freedom in the attacking third, which resulted in Captain Rochane Smith firing an early warning shot just wide of the upright.

The university team kept knocking at the door and once again went close when Flemmings’ well-struck, right-footed shot from an angle rocketed back off the left upright.

UWI inevitably broke the deadlock when custodian Shavon Wilson made heavy weather of a tame shot from Smith and gave up a rebound which Greenland accepted by heading home.

The score remained unchanged at the break, despite the continued dominance of the university team, as poor decision-making denied them.

Boys’ Town, like they did in the first half, left the blocks in a flash on the resumption and should have been back on level terms nine minutes in, but Campbell handsomely skied his effort from a one-on-one situation with Knight.

On the hour mark, the ‘Red Brigade’ felt they were robbed of a penalty when Deighton Stuart’s intended clearance clipped his arm, but their desperate appeals were ignored by referee Dameon Parchment.

But as fate would have it, they were eventually awarded a penalty three minutes later when Deno Schaffe was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area. However, Nicholson’s tame kick from the 12-yard spot was well saved by Knight.

Things got worse for Boys’ Town two minutes later as an intended clearance took a deflection off Parchment and ended up in the path of Flemmings, who comfortably guided his shot past the advancing Wilson after being left unmarked.

And before they could catch their breaths, Greenland sent UWI further ahead when he got on the end of a well-timed pass from Dawyne Smith and lashed home from the top of the box.

The game should have been put to rest in the 77th when Davion Garrison was all alone with Wilson, but he dragged his effort wide.

Sensing that there was still something in the game for them, Boys’ Town once again came to life in the latter stages of the contest and pulled one back through Nicholson who tapped home from close range.

Nine minutes later the inspirational captain Campbell put the Collie Smith Drive team within touching distance of a point when he converted a well-taken free kick from the top of the arch, but too little too late was the cry in the end.

Yesterday’s results

Boys’ Town 2, UWI FC 3

Montego Bay United 2, Arnett Gardens 0

Jamalco 1, Harbour View 2

Reno FC 1, Tivoli Gardens 2

Waterhouse 1, Humble Lion 1

Portmore United 0, Maverley/Hughenden 1