An ailing Boys’ Town FC took another bashing after being flogged 4-0 by Red Stripe Premier League leaders Portmore United FC, at the Barbican playing field on Sunday.

The unflattering display by the “Red Brigade” was much more than playing badly. They were non-committal. And to get themselves out of the present quagmire, they certainly would have to draw on a new stock of players to display that wholesome and revealing commitment of purpose on the field of play.

Boys’ Town, though tottering from the opening whistle, managed to hold off the visiting Portmore United for the first 39 minutes. But their knees buckled a minute later and this gave the visitors the upperhand they craved through a Venton Evans angled shot on goal to take the lead.

The break came shortly afterwards but this mattered little, as on the resumption it barely made a difference because Boys’ Town looked even more at sea as the poor quality of play began to surface in earnest, and 24 minutes into the half Javon East doubled the score.

It is obvious that the team is being coached but the superior quality of the visitors set about to overwhelm Boys’ Town. Portmore United scored two more goals before the end to seal victory, as Maalique Foster and second-half substitute Rondee Smith scored late goals in the final 10 minutes of the game.

“It was a good victory for us as it would move us into first place if Arnett Gardens were to get a tied result in their game against Sandals South Coast FC. But most importantly for our confidence and moving forward, as we want to end the year on top of the league. On the trot we are aware that we have a number of Wednesday, Sunday games so we wanted to make a big impact in this month, and at present things are going nicely, as planned,” Head Coach Shavar Thomas outlined in his post-match response.

His Boys’ Town counterpart Andrew Price, who is sitting in the hot seat to get Boys’ Town out of the doldrums, was optimistic of remaining at top-level football for yet another season.

“There is not much to be said at the moment other than we were up against a good team in Portmore. and the current escape route is to try and bring in a crop of new players in January when the transfer window opens to stop haemorrhaging, with a wholesome desire and passion to get the team out of its present malaise.

“Returning to the Super League is out of the question, despite how it does look at present. Boys’ Town, a very resourceful team, have been in Premier League football since 2005 and have always found a way to be resurgent in the later part of the season. that will get us back on track, so do not write us off just yet,” Price advised.

Teams: Boys’ Town FC — Mikhail Harrison, Ricardo Dennis, Andrew Peddlar, Pierre McPherson (Shaqueil Bradford 69th), Kevon Wilson, Daemon Benjamin, Xavian Virgo, Wayne Williams (Shevon Richardson 80th), Tarrique Campbell (Giovanni Palmer 66th), Tajani Campbell, Patrick Scott

Subs not used: Shavan Wilson, Garfield Gillespie

Booked: None

Portmore United FC —Shaven Sean-Paul, Andre Dyce, Osani Ricketts, Roberto Johnson, Kemar Phillpotts (Kemo Gayle 46th), Venton Evans (Saneekie Burton) Chevany Willis, Roshane Sharpe (Rondee Smith 66th), Ricardo Morris, Maalique Foster, Javon East

Subs not used: Kemar Foster, Malcolm Chavoy, Lamar Walker, Henrico Ricketts

Booked: Smith (86th)

Referee: Tyrone Robinson

Assistant referees: Terrence McKenzie, Orlando Bennett

Fourth official: Weston Costley

Match commissioner: Margret Sutherland