DEFENDING champions Portmore United were held to a 1-1 draw by Montego Bay United in their Red Stripe Premier League football game on Thursday night and lost valuable ground to leaders Harbour View in the process.

Portmore United, who also drew 3-3 on Sunday with Arnett Gardens, regained second spot with 28 points, but are now six points adrift of the leaders following the 17th round of games.

St James outfit Montego Bay United gained one place, moving up to fifth on 27 points in a tightly-knit mid-table in which only three points separate the second and seventh-placed teams.

Aldaine Grant had given home team Portmore United a 15th-minute lead before Fabian McCarthy earned a share of the points for Montego Bay United with a 36th-minute penalty.

The entire Portmore empire was up in arms with referee Wilverglen Lamey, who awarded the penalty saying the ball actually struck the back of the defender instead of his hands.

However, their pleas fell on deaf ears. In front of a relatively small gathering, both teams played good attacking football, but as usual, poor shooting denied the spectators a real goal fest.

Portmore United were more wasteful in front of goal and missed several of the better chances and a glorious chance to stay closer to the leaders.

Montego Bay United, under coach Dr Dean Weatherly, proved once again that they can match the best in the league with their aggressive fast-paced game.

TEAMS: Portmore United — Kemar Foster, Ryan Wellington, Rosario Harriott, Damian Binns, Trevol Smith, Damian Williams, Paul Wilson, Ronoldo Rodney (Andrew Vanzie 58th), Ricardo Morris, Alanzo Adlam, Aldaine Grant (Stephen Williams 64th)

Subs not used: Carlloyd Walters, Adoah Nickles, Jamar Jackson, Derron McLeod, Ricardo Harriott

Booked: Wellington (43rd), Damian Williams (59th), Smith (90th+4)

Montego Bay United — Jovain Watkins, Fabian McCarthy, Winston Wilkinson, Cordel Simpson, Orlando McBayne, Dwayne Ambusely, Kemiro James, Oliver Trail, Lesly St Fleur, Brian Brown (Keneil Kirlew 89th), Dino Williams (Omar Gordon 60th)

Subs not used: Garen Downie, John Barrett, Oraine Braham, Donovan Carey, Nicholas Stewart

Booked: Dino Williams (30th), St Fleur (43rd), Simpson (58th), Wilkinson (85th)

Referee: Wilverglen Lamey

Assistant Referees: Garnet Page, Omar Mills

Fourth Official: Raymond Bogle

Match Commissary: Charlie Barrett