WHILE pleased his team’s defence continues to hold firm in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL), Portmore United’s Head Coach Phillip Williams bemoaned their lack of conviction on the attacking front which resulted in a lacklustre, goalless stalemate with Tivoli Gardens at the Stadium East field on Sunday.

An obviously disappointed Williams shunned the fact that the result meant his team remains one of only two unbeaten teams so far this season, and instead stressed the need for his attackers to consistently find the back of the net.

Portmore United, who inched up to 15 points and provisionally into fourth position, have only scored seven times in nine games yet have conceded a mere three goals, the fewest of any team. Their record now stands at three wins and six draws.

“Yes, we are doing well defensively but the focus all week has been on our goalscoring efforts — and I think we were again let down by the efforts of our attacking players,” Williams said in a post-game interview.

“The way we came out here was unacceptable. I think we were flat throughout the 90 minutes and were second to most of the balls to Tivoli Gardens today. So, in terms of our game play, it’s very disappointing,” he added.

Williams’ assessment was indeed spot on as the contest lacked sustained quality and as such, chances were at a premium. In fact, the two best opportunities of the encounter fell to Portmore United on either side of the contest.

The first was in the 27th minute when Emelio Rousseau’s corner was deflected towards goal by Tivoli’s defender Christopher Matthews, forcing a reflex save from his goalkeeper Nathaniel Francis which later resulted in a goalmouth melee. Fortunately for the west Kingston-based team, Tevin Scott couldn’t sort his foot in time to apply the finish.

On the flip side, Portmore United should have won it at the death when sloppy work by Tivoli’s defenders opened the door for a shot from young substitute Jaheem Frazer, but his effort was blocked by Francis.

The rebound fell kindly for the Portmore team with an empty net waiting but a mix-up between another young player, Shakeone Satchwell, and Gawain Austin resulted in the latter’s follow-up effort sailing over the crossbar.

Though the outcome wasn’t the one Tivoli Gardens Head Coach Jermaine “Teddy” Johnson eagerly wanted, he welcomed the point under the circumstances. Tivoli Gardens, who are now winless in six games, remain in 12th position on seven points.

“It’s not the result we were expecting but it is a great start for us in terms of what we are chasing, and so we just have to go back to the drawing board and try to get it right,” Johnson noted.

SUNDAY’S RESULTS

Tivoli Gardens 0, Portmore 0

Faulkland 2, Molynes 2

Montego Bay 0, Dunbeholden 2

Vere 0, Chapelton Maroons 0

Harbour View 0, Waterhouse 4