1 month ago
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DEFENDING JAMAICA Premier League champions Cavalier showed their championship mettle yesterday, registering a come-from-behind 4-1 victory over Dunbeholden at Sabina Park.
Dunbeholden opened their account in the fifth minute of play, courtesy of a magnificent header from Dayshaniel Russell, alerting the champions that they were in for a contest. By the 32nd minute it was all square as the impressive Shaquille Stein responded with a header of his own, leaving goalkeeper Damian Hyatt grabbing for thin air.
Cavalier pressed the Dunbeholden defence and were rewarded in first-half added time through Christopher Ainsworth, who scrambled the ball across the line on the back of some chaotic defending.
Cavalier started the second half in the same fashion with the in-form Jalmaro Calvin calmly making it 3-1 in the 53rd on the back of a classic counterattack.
The closest Dunbeholden came to getting a second goal on the evening would present itself in the 58th minute through a Fakibi Farquharson free kick which he smashed against the post.
Cavalier, with their feet firmly on the gas pedal, missed out on going further ahead when Kalie Auvray failed to convert from the penalty spot in the 84th minute. But that disappointment was short-lived as debutant Odean Wilberforce made amends, hammering home a left-footed effort in the 89th.
The defeat leaves Dunbeholden as the only team in the league yet to register a point.
Rudolph Speid, head coach of Cavalier, said conceding early goals is an immediate issue that he’ll have to address with his team. Still, the coach is grateful for the abundance of young talent within his team.
“We’re not so pleased because this is the second game running that we’ve conceded an early goal. This is something that we have to go back and try to understand the reason for this happening. Once it happens more than once, then it’s a problem. The Lord is my shepherd, players I shall not want. Last year at this point we were about 10th and struggling, so this time we’re more consistent and are able to rotate. I think this year we’re in good stead and are heading in the right direction,” said Speid.
Byjeon Thomas, head coach of Dunbeholden, who was overseeing his first game, said while disappointed with the result, he is optimistic about what lies ahead.
“It’s not the result we would have wanted but I’m happy that we got off the mark in terms of goalscoring. The work has just started and I just have to keep on doing the work. I’m disappointed in conceding four goals but we just have to get it right for the next game.”
English (US) ·