KINGSTON, Jamaica – Mt Pleasant FC made a winning start to the defence of their Wray And Nephew Jamaica Premier League title on Sunday, clipping Portmore United 1-0 in the second game of a doubleheader at Drax Hall in St Ann.

A first half goal from Gawain Austin against his former team, gave Mt Pleasant FC all three points but Tivoli Gardens are the leaders on goal-difference after blanking Waterhouse FC 3-0 in their game played at the national stadium.

In another game played at Effortville, Humble Lion edged newcomers Treasure Beach 1-0.

At Drax Hall, Mt Pleasant broke the deadlock in the 25th minute when a Mt Pleasant FC player headed down a free kick from Demario Philips to Austin who found himself with some space inside the Portmore United 18 yard box to beat goalkeeper Tyrone Williams from close range.

Tivoli Gardens, who just finished above the relegation zone last season, were up 2-0 up after 33 minutes with goals from Howard Morris in the 30th minute and Justin Dunn three minutes later.

Shaquille Jones’ 60th minute strike killed the game off as a contest.

A penalty conversion in the 73rd minute was the difference for Humble Lion over Treasure Beach, the first team from St Elizabeth to play in the Premier League in almost 50 years.