3 months ago
25
A GOAL from Dwayne Atkinson in the first half of extra time proved the decider as defending Jamaica Premier League (JPL) champions Cavalier defeated Portmore United 1-0 yesterday and 2-1 on aggregate to advance to the semi-finals.
Atkinson struck the all-important goal in the 97th minute of play at Sabina Park as the two teams were locked goalless at the end of 90 minutes.
Cavalier boss Rudolph Speid praised both teams after the final whistle for a hard-fought game.
“First, I must say that this is one of the hardest games that we’ve ever played. Hats off to Portmore because they really stuck in there and gave us a hard time,” he said after the match.
“This has been one of the hardest campaigns for us and I’m just proud of the guys that we’re able to pull it off.”
It was end-to-end action throughout the opening exchanges as the two teams looked to find an early goal.
Portmore would get the first real opportunity of the game, however, a 21st-minute handball in the box gifting them a penalty.
Emelio Rousseau stepped to the 12-yard spot but saw his effort thwarted by a brilliant save from Vino Barclett.
Missed opportunities would be the order of the night as Portmore failed to capitalise on their chances.
Portmore United head coach Rodolph Austin rued the missed chances, believing they would come back to haunt his players.
“Throughout the season, we haven’t been scoring, and tonight we got the chances but we just didn’t put it in the back of the net,” said Austin.
“You can’t switch off at no level in football, especially when you’ve created two or three very good chances and you don’t capitalise on it. That’s how football is.”
His comments rung true when, after weathering periods of Portmore pressure, Cavalier would prove deadly on the counter.
In the 97th minute, the defending champions strung together a series of passes that saw them bear down on Portmore’s goal.
A blotched attempt at a clearance from Portmore’s defence would hand Atkinson the invitation to strike freely at goal, the talisman finishing with aplomb.
The result means Cavalier will advance to the semi-finals, where they will take on Arnett Gardens.
The first leg of the semi-finals will kick off on Thursday at the Catherine Hall Sports Complex, before returning for the second leg on Sunday at Sabina Park.
English (US) ·