Portmore United book Jamaica Premier League semi-final with decisive second-leg win over Racing United

Rodolph Austin, who guides Portmore United, said a sharper mental approach on Wednesday proved decisive in the Jamaica Premier League quarter-final second leg against Racing United at the National Stadium.

Portmore prevailed 2-0 on the night and 5-3 over the two legs, securing a semi-final meeting with Mount Pleasant Football Academy.

Across five encounters this campaign, the sides had never before produced an outright winner until Wednesday’s result. Austin argued his squad’s outlook shaped the outcome. "It was just the mindset. I think the players went into this game with a different mindset. We went into the last game without that, but there was no complacency tonight (Wednesday). We defended well during the game but we could have been a little better on set pieces," he said.

After letting a 3-0 advantage slip en route to a 3-3 stalemate in the opener, Portmore went ahead when Tarick Ximines drove home powerfully from distance.

Racing remained threatening across the opening period and carved several promising moments after the interval yet struggled to pierce a tightly drilled Portmore rearguard. With seven minutes remaining, Rashaun Small added the insurance goal.

"There were a few things (I didn't like), but football is like that. The other team is going to have their moments. We just had to nullify them and I think we did a good job. "I was happy with the way we controlled the game and kept the ball. We could have maybe scored more goals but we are happy with the 2-0 win."We played a very good game. We were in control, other than from a few set pieces that they got. We kept the ball well and got at them at the right time."

Patrick, Racing’s coach, credited his side’s brisk opening and strong first-half showing but felt inexperience told as the tie wore on. "It's just unfortunate. It took a beauty to break the deadlock and, from there, it was an uphill task for us. We never created as much as we should in the offence, but they gave their best. They really came and played. "Disappointed, yes, but I still applaud them and encourage them. Still happy with them to give it their all and to reach this far."

"When you look at our squad, it's not a deep one. We do not have much depth and there are a lot of inexperienced players. "It's the first time most of them are getting this far. So, kudos to them. We will have to look at next season and get some more experienced players on the roster," he said.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Cavalier dismissed Waterhouse 2-0 to complete a 4-2 aggregate success and will oppose Montego Bay United in the remaining semi-final.