KINGSTON, Jamaica – Former champions Portmore United won their first game of the Jamaica Premier League season, coming from behind to beat Tivoli Gardens 2-1 in the second game of a double header played at the Anthony Spalding Complex on Monday.

After losing their first two games of the season, Rudolph Austin won his first game as head coach thanks to a late goal from substitute Javier Brown.

Nickalia Fuller had given Tivoli Gardens the lead in the 39th minute when he beat Portmore United’s goalkeeper Daniel Russell with a shot from almost on the goal line that flew into the far right corner of the goal, just under the cross bar.

Junior Grizzelle pulled Portmore United level in time added on at the end of the first half when he finished off a good move with a low hard shot past goalkeeper Diego Haughton.

Brown, who was a second half substitute, gave Portmore United all three points when he scored in the 88th minute.

In the first game, another substitute scored late to give Montego Bay United a 1-0 win over promoted Chapelton Maroons.

With the game appearing to be headed to a tame draw, Deonjay Brown beat former MBU goalkeeper William Ferreira from close range in the 89th minute as the St James team escaped with the win.

-Paul A Reid