Harbour View FC fell to their third-consecutive defeat in the Red Stripe Premier League after losing 0-1 to Portmore United FC, in their closing game of round one at the Harbour View Mini-stadium on Thursday night.

Ricardo Morris scored from the penalty spot in minute 25 to maintain Portmore United’s second position on the standings on 21 points, two less than leaders Arnett Gardens FC on 23.

Both UWI FC and Tivoli Gardens FC follow on 19 points apiece, while FC Reno and Cavalier are on 18 each.

With their last defeat, the “Stars of the East” have now slipped out of the top half of the table down to seventh on 13 points.

On the field, it was good end to end action, with Portmore moving faster to the ball and in some areas overshadowed their hosts.

Winning coach Shavar Thomas was pleased with the win.

“(It) was most important for us to end the round (with three points) to stay close to the leaders. It could have been more than a 1-0 win because we created the chances, but nevertheless were are pleased with the result,” Thomas said.

Harbour View Captain Christopher Harvey said he was unhappy with the loss, but remains upbeat going forward.

“Every team goes through a period such as this in its lifetime, (and) this is especially so when it is in its rebuilding stages. It is not that we are playing badly… goals win matches and when we create chances and neglect to take them, those missed opportunities come back to haunt us,” Harvey bemoaned.

Teams:

Harbour View FC — Joel Johnson, Kemar Bennett, Ryan Wellington, Ajanie Talbott, Kereen Manning, Christopher Harvey, Jaleel Chamberlain (Akeem Priestley 66th), Sheldon McKoy (Evan Taylor 55th), Peter-Lee Vassell, Daniel Green, Michael Lutas (Richard Anderson 77th).

Subs not used: Christian Kluvi, Andrew Allen, Hugh Evans, Jelani Nicholson

Booked: Bennett 24th, Harvey 70th, Priestly 76th, Manning 79th

Portmore United FCShaven-Sean Paul, Damono Solomon, Osani Ricketts, Roberto Johnson, Henrico Ricketts, Ewan Grandison (Suelae McCalla 18th) Chevany Willis, Venton Evans, Ricardo Morris (Kemo Gayle 90+4), Maalique Foster (Rondee Smith 85th) Javon East.

Subs not used: Kemar Foster, Richard Coates, Oshane Smith, Saneekie, Burton

Booked: None

Referee: Cardella Samuels

Assistant referees: Kemar Bailey, Damian Williams

Fourth official: Doyen Tummings

Match commissioner: Beverley Melbourne

— Hurbun Williams