TOLL GATE, Clarendon — Portmore United condemned Sporting Central Academy to a third straight defeat on Thursday at Brancourt to maintain their faint hopes of retaining the Red Stripe Premier League.

Striker Sueala McCalla, who scored a brace, sent the defending champions ahead in the third minute with a clever chip over goalkeeper Kevin Graham.

Hard-working midfielder Ewan Grandison made it 2-0 in minute 73 following a mazy run and finish, before McCalla completed his double in time added with another lob over the debutant goalie.

Sporting, who were losing their fifth game in seven outings under new coach Lenny Hyde, were uninspiring, with their best chance at goal coming from a quickly taken Jamoly Powell free kick, which ricochet off the cross bar early in the second half.

The defeat leaves the Clarendon side just four points above the relegation zone in 10th place.

Portmore, meanwhile, reduced Harbour View’s lead at the top of the 12-team standing to 10 points, and coach Andrew Waugh believes the performance proves that his players still believe they can retain their premiership crown.

“For us, it was important to come out here and demonstrate the type of attitude that suggests that we are winners,” Waugh said. “It’s one thing to say things with your mouth, but when you see this type of attitude and commitment then you know that it’s possible (to retain the title).”

TEAMS: Sporting Central — Kevin Graham, Dale Watson, Linval Lewis, Kevon Reid, Derron McLeod (Christopher Banner 74th), Camaal Reid, Peter Brown (Gregory Lewis 57th), Kadian Wynter, Jamoly Powell, Anthony Bennett, Francois Swaby (Corey Hylton 46th). Subs not used: Sanchez Lloyd, Rupert Murray, Damano Samuels, Keith Kelly. Booked: Banner (86th)

Portmore United — Kemar Foster, Ryan Wellington, Upston Edwards, Rosario Harriott, Tevol Smith, Ricardo Morris (Damian Williams 59th), Stephen Williams, Suella McCalla, Andrew Vanzie, Adoah Nickle (Andrew Christie 68th), Ewan Grandison (Kevin Deer 84th). Subs not used: Carlloyd Walters, Damion Binns, Jamar Jackson.

Booked: Wellington (61st), Nickle (63rd)

Referee: Wilverglen Lamey Assistant Referees: Keble Williams, Stephen Brown Fourth Official: Cardella Samuels Match Commissary: Ewan Scott