Portmore United continued their dominance over Arnett Gardens with a 2-0 win at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, to remain level on points at the top of the standings with leaders Harbour View in the Digicel Premier League yesterday.

The Stars of the East remained ahead on goal difference by virtue of a 2-0 win over St Georges at Lynch Park, which also lifted them to 47 points.

In a hotly contested affair at Arnett, Portmore skipper Anthony Modeste took a break from defensive duties and laced up his scoring boots to give his team a 24th minute lead from a free kick just outside the area.

Free kick

The free kick, a result of a Gerald Neil's handball, was swerved low around the wall, with Arnett goalkeeper Julian McLeish seeming to pick up the ball late as it crept into the left side of his goal.

A bit of luck, in addition to excellent goalkeeping from Portmore custodian Shawn Sawyers, was the only thing that kept the visitors ahead in the second half.

A 60th minute free kick from Arnett striker Kevin Wilson took a huge deflection off the wall, wrong-footing Sawyers who slipped and could only watch as the ball crept just wide of the left post.

A powerful shot from just outside the area by substitute Leon Strickland, looked to have Sawyers beaten but the ball flew inches over the crossbar.

Effectively eliminated

The home team were, however, effectively eliminated from the contest when goalkeeper McLeish attempted to clear a ball after being rapidly closed down by Portmore substitute Bennett. The goalkeeper's clearance rebounded off the forward, falling into his path was easily fired into an open net.

"I think we came out playing pretty well, but if you don't score your goals you can't win matches," said Arnett coach Fabian Davis, whose team stayed seventh on 32 points.

"However, I think the officiating today was terrible and that also affected us a lot. But we just have to keep working week in, week out and hopefully get things back on a winning track," he said.

Portmore coach Linval Dixon expected a tough encounter and was pleased with his team's effort. They had beaten the Junglists 1-0 in two previous contests this season.