Montego Bay United snapped a 14-match winless run when they edged Portmore United 1-0 in a lukewarm Jamaica Premier League (JPL) contest at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Monday.

Nevaun Turner’s 38th-minute strike from the penalty spot proved all-important as it handed Montego Bay United their second win from 18 games into the season. On the other hand, Portmore United’s miserable run extended to eight games without a win.

Despite the three points, Montego Bay United remain rooted at the foot of the 12-team standing on nine points, with Portmore United ninth on 17 points.

With their last win, a 4-1 result over Molynes United coming at end of January, Montego Bay United entered Monday’s contest hopeful that they could turn their fortunes, especially against a Portmore United team that has been off colour for a while.

The manner in which the encounter started all but told the story of why both teams are where they are in the standings as neither showed any real enterprise.

Still, Portmore United looked more threatening in open play, creating a few half chances which they failed to make count and were later made to pay for their wastefulness.

Montego Bay United found the lead against the run of play when Stephen Young headed back to his goalkeeper Benjamin Williams, who felled attacker Shande Brooks inside the danger area as they vied for possession.

Referee Steffon Dewar belatedly awarded the penalty and Turner made no mistakes from the 12-yard spot, registering his second goal of the season.

The score remained unchanged at the break, but Portmore, like they did at the start, showed more purpose. However, they were again left ruing their lack of quality in the final third which proved their undoing in the hunt for the elusive equaliser.

Montego Bay United also had their fair share of half chances, the best of which fell to Leonardo Fogarthy, who, despite having space and time in his favour, drove a left-footed effort wide from inside the 18-yard box on the stroke of full time.

SUNDAY’S RESULTS

Humble Lions 1, Vere 0

Mount Pleasant 4, Tivoli Gardens 1

MONDAY’S RESULTS

Montego Bay 1, Portmore 0

— Sherdon Cowan