Shelton honoured as H’View rout MBU

On the night that late former Harbour View and national team striker Luton Shelton was honoured, the "Stars of the East" produced a strong offensive display to boost their chances of making the Jamaica Premier League playoffs.

Harbour View dispatched Montego Bay United (MBU) 4-0 in the second game of the Monday night double header at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.

A goal from Trayvone Reid in the 13th minute, a brace from Phillon Lawrence in the 31st and 47th minute, and a strike from Colorado Murray in the 59th minute vaulted Harbour View to sixth place and the final playoff position with 27 points.

It was also an opportunity that was used to award the key to the city posthumously to Shelton, Jamaica's leading senior men's team goalscorer who died in January 2021 from Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

It was a game that Harbour View dominated from start to finish as MBU was constantly under siege from the relentless Harbour View pressure. Reid, in particular, was lively in the opening exchanges and helped to mount the attack for a team that was looking to respond after last week's 2-0 loss to Vere United.

The scoring started early as Harbour View was awarded a penalty for a foul in the penalty area in minute 13. This occurred after a Harbour View shot on goal hit off the post. Reid calmly slotted home into the top corner for the early lead. MBU wasn't without chances. Shandee Brooks had an opportunity from a free kick outside the penalty area but saw his effort sail over the bar.

MBU's defensive problems were further exposed as Lawrence scored from close range to double their lead.

The end of the half saw the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation present the key and the citation to Shelton's wife, Bobbette, a moment that she said was well earned and a long time coming.

"I know that he would be so proud to receive this and be smiling from ear to ear," Mrs Shelton said.

Harbour View did not let up in the second half as Lawrence got his second of the night within two minutes of the restart with a beautiful curling effort. Murray finished the goal scoring just before the hour mark as he slammed home from close range after his initial shot was deflected.

In the earlier game Waterhouse defeated Vere United 1-0, thanks to a 36th-minute goal from Shaqueil Bradford.