Robert Scarlett (right) of Boys' Town tries to move away from Portmore United's Anthony Modeste (centre) during their Digicel National Premier League game at Collie Smith Drive yesterday. Boys' Town won 2-1. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

BOYS' TOWN defeated Portmore United 2-1 in their Digicel Premier League contest yesterday, which was marred by a six-minute stoppage at Collie Smith Drive.

The contest, which was halted because of abuse hurled at referee Raymond Bogle, who issued red cards to Damion Williams of Portmore and Boys' Town's Xavean Virgo for fighting, and his assistant Keble Williams, saw the goals scored in the first half.

Goals

George Vernal (12th) and Michael Campbell (13th) netted for the winners, while Wolry Wolfe scored Portmore United's consolation goal in the 44th minute.

Williams' second-half substitute partner Omar Campbell, who was red carded in the 90th minute, flashed his hand at the referee while making his way off the field. Portmore United's manager, Clive Marshall, was also given his marching orders.

Earlier, Vernon put Boys' Town in the lead when he struck from a rebound off the crossbar and, a minute later, poor defending by Portmore United allowed Campbell to strike from a goalmouth scramble.

On the stroke of halftime, Wolfe dribbled by his opponents before firing home past Kirk Porter in Boys' Town's goal.

Andrew Price, coach of Boys' Town, said: "it wasn't one of the prettiest games," but accepted the important win.

20 points

The win put Boys' Town on 20 points, three behind Portmore, who they hope to meet again in the end-of-round final, providing they beat Tivoli this Sunday.

"Getting those two goals was good for us but I am a little bit concerned we are not finishing enough chances," Price said.

Portmore coach Linval Dixon blamed poor defending for his team's defeat.

"Our performance was a little bit below par today ... We got set back in the first half when they scored those two early goals but we were at fault with our tracking and our marking was off," Dixon said.