There was a controversial end to the top-of-the table clash between champions Portmore United and Tivoli Gardens at Spanish Town Prison Oval yesterday, as a 47th-minute strike from Andre Dawson gave the West Kingston team all three points to go top of the league.

Referee Tyrone Robinson blew the game to an end at the same moment that his assistant Omar Mills signalled furiously for a penalty for the hosts Portmore United. The game had gone on beyond the five minutes of added time that had been indicated and while Tivoli Gardens bench was grateful for the final whistle, the Portmore United bench was left incensed by the decision.

In other games yesterday, Cavalier FC and Mount Pleasant Academy ended 1-1 in an eventful game at Stadium East. Nicholas Nelson gave the hosts a 57th-minute lead before Kemar Beckford pulled the St Ann team level seven minutes form the end. However, in time added, Cavalier lost Jermy Nelson while Mount Pleasant lost Kevin Graham and Kevaughn Isaacs to red cards.

At Frome Complex, FC Reno edged Dunbeholden 2-1 courtesy of goals from Kemoy Carruthers in the fourth minute and Renerio Downswell in the 68th minute. Samar Rowe replied for the visitors in the 45th+2 minutes.

Humble Lion blanked Harbour View 2-0 at Effortville Centre, with Romeo Wright and Levaughn Williams in the 14th and 75th minutes, respectively being the goalscorers, while the game at Mona Bowl between University of the West Indies and Waterhouse was suspended after four minutes due to persistent heavy rains.

The game between the top two teams in the league had gotten off to a dull start as both teams cancelled each other out and it took a full 20 minutes before Marvin Stewart fired just over the top of the crossbar following a short corner executed by his team.

The first chance for the hosts fell to Javon East, but even though he was unmarked in the box, the striker failed to get his shot on target.

Portmore United finished the half strongly and were it not for the brilliance of the Tivoli Gardens custodian Davion Watkins, they would certainly have gone into the break a goal to the good. Watkins first did well to deny the league’s leading scorer Rondee Smith as he dived to his right to parry the ball, which then fell to East. Watkins was up in a flash to protect his near post, saving well to keep the match level at 0-0 in the 41st minute.

Tivoli Gardens had a golden opportunity to go in front in added time at the end of the first half but their captain Barrington Pryce failed to make proper contact with the ball when he was left unmarked in the box. His tame header subsequently went behind for a goal kick.

The second half was barely under way when Dawson got his name on the scoresheet.

He reacted well to a cross in the box, steering the ball into the far corner beyond the despairing dive of the Portmore captain Kemar Foster.

Both teams created and wasted a few more chances in the half, the most glaring being by Andre Molton who benefited from a give-away in the Portmore defence but failed to get his shot on target from inside the box.

Portmore United were reduced to 10 players in the 79th minute when former Tivoli Gardens player Romaine Brackenridge was shown a second yellow and promptly sent from the field leaving the hosts a man and a goal down with just under 20 minutes to play.

Despite being reduced in number, the Shavar Thomas-coached team threw everything at the visitors in an attempt to grab the equaliser but found the Tivoli Gardens, defence impenetrable.

Kemar Seivwright was imperious in defence for Tivoli Gardens and his efforts in particular ensured that his team leapfrogged the champions into first place in the Red Stripe Premier League.

Teams: Portmore United FC — Kemar Foster, Damano Solomon, Osani Ricketts, Roberto Johnson, Venton Evans, Cleon Pryce (Donnegy Fer 63rd), Javon East, Romaine Brackenridge (ejected 71st), Saneekie Burton (Courtney Allen 21st), Rondee Smith, Damian Williams (Roshane Sharpe 63rd)

Subs not used: Benjamin Williams, Ryan Wellington, Rosario Harriott, NcQuain Brown

Booked: Solomon (32nd), Brackenridge (51st, 79th)

Tivoli Gardens FC — Davion Watkins, Barrington Pryce, Tevin Shaw,

Kemar Seivwright, Hugh Evans, Ezran Simpson, Junior McGregor (Trevin Garnett 90th), Marvin Stewart, Raymond Williamson, Andre Dawson (Howard Morris 63rd) Andre Moulton

Subs not used: Nicholas Clarke, Arthur Walters, Maurice Wilson, Davion Goulbourne, Michael Spence

Booked: Williamson (27th), Seivwright (40th), Shaw (65th)

Referee: Tyrone Robinson

Assistant referees: Lloyd Edwards, Omar Mills

Fourth official: Kasa Plummer

Match commissioner: Martin Lyn