Nelson's beauty silences August Town

A sterling strike from Roen 'Bumpy' Nelson in time added on, guided last season's runners-up Portmore United to a fighting 1-0 win over Digicel Premier League returnees, August Town, at the University of the West Indies Bowl, Mona, yesterday.

Coming on as a second-half substitute in front of a stands-full opening day crowd at the picturesque venue, Nelson, who was dethroned of the leading goalscorer title last season after a half-season campaign due overseas club committments, collected the ball atop of the penalty box and in one motion, fired a cannon of shot into the base of the goal.

Fans shocked

The strike, which actually took place in the 93rd minute, moments after outstanding referee Raymond Bogle had signalled three minutes of extra time, brought silence to the otherwise noisy venue, as home fans shocked by the concession strolled out of the venue in disbelief.

"It doesn't matter if I start or come off the bench, I am a team player. The coach told me to go out there and get the winner and that's what I did," said a content-looking Nelson, who was dethroned of the goalscoring title last season by Rivoli United's Devon Hodges.

"Last season, I didn't get to play the whole season because of my contract overseas, but this season I hope to and regain the leading goalscorer (title)," he added.

The goal came at the end of a series of substitutions by Portmore coach, Linval Dixon, and August Town coach, Calvert Fitzgerald, who utilised their full complement of changes in a bid to get a desired result.

Portmore, in a bid to seek the clincher, brought on strikers Nelson, Steven Morrisey and midfielder Tremaine Stewart, while August Town, in counter move, brought on Josemar Campbell and Aphas Bernard in defence.

"We matched them for the 90 minutes. We were just unlucky. We lapsed in the final minute and Nelson, who is a very good striker, made us pay. But we did well and will rebound," said Fitzgerald.