The University of the West Indies FC (UWI FC) closed the gap between themselves and Portmore United to mere goal difference near the top of the Red Stripe Premier League table when they defeated newcomers Sandals South Coast FC 2-0 at the UWI Bowl on Sunday.

First-half goals from Davion Garrison and Girvan Brown ensured another three points for the Mona-based team who now climb to 18 points, with 10 of the 11 games played in the first round of the competition.

Sandals threatened early when Oraine Shippy saw his goal-bound shot tipped onto the crossbar by Nickolas King with just about five minutes on the clock as the UWI stand-in ‘keeper earned his keep. As if stung into action, UWI responded with threatening attacks of their own.

But there was to be no doubting the third time Garrison found the back of the net. The striker scored with a beautiful volley in the 15th minute at the far post from a left-sided cross, with the Sandals defence all at sea. Four minutes later, Garrison turned provider when he darted down the left flank before delivering the perfect low cross for his striker partner Brown to sweep home as UWI threateded to run riot.

Romaine Bennett should have got one back for Sandals shortly after despite taking his shot from an acute angle, but the effort from his teammate Maliki Reid was shocking. Reid, who was bearing down on goal and had the option to shoot, decided to turn the ball back and passed to Ron Daley, whose effort went straight at a now well-positioned King.

Garrison came close to adding to his tally mean half -time, but his shot went into the side netting while he was under pressure from a defender. Ryan Miller, who is the leading goal scorer for the UWI, also had a clear chance at goal, but with the goal to aim at, shot high and straight at O’Brian Vennor, who tipped the ball over the crossbar.

UWI with the win now have 18 points, the same as Portmore United who were held goal-less by Montego Bay United at the Spanish Town Prison Oval. Portmore are second, UWI third, while Montego Bay United remain in 8th place on 12 points. Sandals remain at the bottom of the table with six points.

— Dwayne Richards