Ainsley Walters, Freelance Writer
Head of the Jamaica Football Federation competition's committee, Michael Ricketts (right) presents the National Premier League trophy to Portmore United captain Anthony Modeste, while teammate Anthony Bennett (left) reaches to get a touch of the coveted prize. Portmore officially claimed the title with a 3-0 win over Waterhouse at Ferdie Neita Park on Wednesday night. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
PORTMORE UNITED coach Linval Dixon has credited his side's Premier League victory to discipline and consistency over an extended season, featuring five additional games, which took a toll on other teams.
"Our discipline was on a high and we stuck together as a team," Dixon said, giving credit to the entire roster of Portmore players, especially the Under-21s who rose to the occasion when slotted into the senior team.
It was one of those players, Bryan Bayliss, who fired Portmore into the lead against Waterhouse after 22 minutes on Wednesday night, unleashing a booming shot across goalie Maurice Evans, from 22 yards, into the top left side of the goal.
Shot outside the box
Ricardo Cousins made it 2-0 with another shot outside the box in the 61st minute, rifling in a ball rolled to him by Carlington Smith, who had his back to goal while in the area.
The league's leading striker, Roen Nelson, made it 3-0 in the 90th minute with his 16th goal of the season, dispossessing a defender inside the area before booting past Evans.
The victory moved Portmore to 71 unassailable points, nine clear of second-place Tivoli, who beat outgoing champions Harbour View 2-0 at the Edward Seaga Stadium to move to 62.
However, Dixon said a slip-up almost cost them the title.
"We set out to win the league from the go and we were always there or on top. We had some bad spots, giving away six points to Tivoli and losing the lead but we won it back and stuck with it," he pointed out.
Second title in portmore
Wednesday night's win handed Portmore their second title at Ferdie Neita Park after winning their first two Premier League championships as Hazard, playing out of Clarendon.
The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among players and the once hesitant fans, who took more than two seasons to warm to the team, which moved base from Clarendon to Portmore, St Catherine after winning their third title.
Waterhouse coach Wayne Fairclough was gracious in defeat after the champions outclassed his fifth-place team in midfield
"I lift my hat to them," Fairclough said. "They had a good season and really played well."
Fairclough, who led Waterhouse to the Premiership title two seasons ago before returning to turn around the team in the second round this season, said he would remain at Drewsland for 2008-2009.
"I see no reason why I shouldn't," he said. "What happened after I won the title was an entirely different ball game."
