Portmore, W’house win first legs of semis

Defending champions Portmore United and last year's beaten finalist Waterhouse moved one step closer to securing their spots in the final of the Red Stripe Premier League competition, following contrasting first leg semi-final victories at the National Stadium last night.

In the opening match of the double-header, Portmore recorded a hard fought 2-1 victory over promoted side Mount Pleasant FA.

Striker Javon East (43th) and Roshane Sharpe (90th) were the goalscorers for the Shavar Thomas-coached Portmore.

Jardaine Fletcher scored for the Donovan Duckie-coached Mount Plesant Academy in the 48th minute.

FEELING GOOD

Portmore United's midfielder Cleon Pryce said his team is very happy for the victory and they are now looking forward to the return game next week.

"I think the team is feeling good because we worked hard throughout the week for this game and we came out victorious. I think we are on a good path for the second game," said Pryce.

"I think this victory will boost our confidence and we just have to regroup and get ready for the next game because we know that Mount Pleasant will be coming at us and so we just have to be ready for them," Pryce said.

In the second match of the double-header, Waterhouse, who were beaten by Portmore in last year's final secured 2-0 victory over Cavalier in the second match of the double-header.

Former Cavalier midfielder Keithy Simpson gave Waterhouse the lead in the 34th minute, when he arrived at the front post to tap home a corner kick from Tremaine Stewart past custodian Mark Bryan.

The skilful Stewart then doubled Waterhouse's advantage six minutes later when he fired home a well-placed free kick past Bryan.

Cavalier dominated the second half but they had nothing to show for it as they were kept at bay by a well organised Waterhouse defensive unit, led by defenders Shawn Lawes, Nicholy Finalayson and goalkeeper Diego Haughton.

Cavalier striker Alex Marshall came close to pulling a goal back for his team in the 50th minute, who his powerful shot from 20-yards was turned behind for a corner from Haughton. A few minutes later, Haughton was at his best denied to close range effort from striker Nicholas Hamilton.

Daniel Bent, assistant coach of Waterhouse, was very happy with his team's efforts.

"I think it was a good performance by the team, but we started out a bit flat but as the game went on we came into our own and scored two goals and that was pleasing for us," said Bent. "We still have another 90 minutes to play and I know that Cavalier is going to come at us because they are a good team but we will ready for the next game."

Meanwhile, David Lalor, assistant coach of Cavalier, said: "I think we gave up two soft goals in the first half and that set us back because those were some simple mistakes that we have to correct for the next game."