Despite Portmore United losing only once in their last 13 Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League games, Assistant Coach Ricardo Smith and striker Jermie Lynch say improvements are needed if they are to secure a spot in the play-offs.

The seven-time national club champions were held to a 1-1 result by visitors Tivoli Gardens FC at Ferdie Neita Park on Sunday.

After a goalless first half, Portmore’s Lynch opened the scoring in the 56th minute. But that effort was cancelled out seven minutes later through a long-range free kick by Tivoli substitute Nickalia Fuller.

The draw was Portmore’s 11th of the season but they remain in the top six with 44 points. They are seven points clear of fellow St Catherine-based club Racing United in seventh, and 11 clear of Tivoli Gardens.

Smith, though, says the Portmore players shouldn’t take their league form and position for granted.

“We’re confident in them but I don’t know if they’re confident in themselves. We’re not in the play-offs as yet because as you can see, teams are gunning for the six spots. Probably two are already confirmed but we just have to keep working. We’re not there yet; I don’t want the complacency to get in so we just keep working,” said Smith.

Lynch also believes Portmore have work to do before the end of the regular season.

“All we need to do is to take it a game at a time and stay focused and continue to do what we do best until the play-offs. We’re not there as yet, we have to make sure we’re there because it’s not easy. We just have to put ourselves in the right position so when the time comes, we just take it a step at a time,” Lynch said.

Despite failing to close the gap on Portmore, Tivoli Gardens Head Coach Jerome Waite was pleased with the outcome.

“It was a good tactical game for both teams. I was a bit surprised because Portmore looked a bit flat today compared to what I know they can do but they got their fair chances. Outside of that, we always have a lot of injuries; not to find excuses but today you didn’t see some of the regular faces. But I think the team did well and we can build on that,” said Waite.

SUNDAY’S RESULTS

Portmore 1, Tivoli 1

Dunbeholden 0, Mount Pleasant 3

Waterhouse , Cavalier

Vere Phoenix 2, Humble Lion 0

Harbour View 0, Molynes 0

MONDAY’S GAMES

5:00 pm — Chapelton vs Montego Bay

7:45 pm — Arnett Gardens vs Racing

(Both matches slated for Anthony Spaulding Complex)

Tivoli Gardens FC Head Coach Jerome Waite. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)