Ainsley Walters, Star Writer

IT took come-from-behind performances, two games decided by last-minute goals, for the top three Digicel Premier League teams of last season to save face against unheralded rivals in last Sunday's opening games.

Harbour View waited until the 89th to draw 1-1 at Compound with Sporting Central and Portmore United got a 1-0 winner in stoppage time at promoted August Town.

newcomers

At the Edward Seaga Stadium, champions Tivoli Gardens con-ceded a third-minute goal at home against newcomers Humble Lions, who led with two quick goals midway the first half but were sitting level when the minnows equalised 13 minutes after the break.

Substitute Keammar Daley broke the deadlock in the 76th minute to hand the champions a 3-2 win before their home fans.

Coach Lenny Hyde's team faces wounded Waterhouse at Drews-land tomorrow, a clash which will be a tough one although the homesters lost 1-2 at Rivoli last week.

"No team can be underestimated at all," said Hyde. "We just have to go back to the drawing board and put in the work."

Hyde said the champions will definitely have to tighten defence after letting in two goals on opening day.

Portmore, runners-up to Tivoli last season, had Roen Nelson to thank for his stoppage-time effort against August Town, a rather shaky start against the promoted team.

At home tomorrow, Portmore should start favourites against Arnett Gardens who went down 1-0 to St Georges last week, their first loss at the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex against the Portlanders.

Portmore will be looking to put it across Arnett, who had effectively driven a crucial nail in their bid to defend their title last season, beating the team 1-0 at Ferdie Neita Park to spark a winless four-game run, which ended with them losing the title on goal difference to Tivoli.

vulnerable

In addition, Arnett will be without hardman Gerald Neil, who was ejected against St Georges on opening day, leaving their right side vulnerable against Portmore's tricky wingers.

Harbour View, third last season, are normally quick out of the blocks but were far from it against Sporting Central and could be made to pay if they do not get their act together against Boys' Town at Collie Smith Drive.

Boys' Town drew 0-0 at Village last week but are dangerous at home. However, they were beaten twice at home by Harbour View last season and should not get comfortable with their rival struggling against Sporting Central.

In fact, Boys' Town could have more to worry about as they failed to score against Village who just missed relegation last season.

Sporting Central against Village could go either way at Brancourt whereas St Georges' home record will be put to the test against brash Humble Lions, who, on last week's showing against Tivoli, will definitely hold their own as newcomers this season.

Humble Lions' Chris Bender said inexperience got the better of his team after pulling level at Tivoli.

With the opening game against the champions under their belt, Humble Lions must be dangerous despite St Georges' home record.

August Town await Rivoli at UWI where they almost pulled off a draw against Portmore and will be tough as nails.

However, if striker Devon Hodges turns out for Rivoli, it will only take a moment or two of his magic to turn the game the visitors' way.

Ian Allen

Tivoli Gardens' Navion Boyd looks to get away from a sliding Ziecko Herrera of Humble Lions in the opening round of the Digicel Premier League at the Edward Seaga Oval last Sunday.

Games On

Waterhouse vs Tivoli at 3:30 p.m.

Portmore vs Arnett Gardens at 7:30 p.m.

Boys' Town vs Harbour View at 3:30 p.m.

Sporting Central vs Village at 3:30 p.m.

St Georges vs Humble Lions at 3:30

August Town vs Rivoli at 3:30 p.m.