2 weeks ago
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In a game mostly of academic interest, Richard King’s late penalty rescued all three points for defending champions Cavalier as they clipped Mount Pleasant Football Academy 2-1 yesterday in Jamaica Premier League (JPL) action at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex.
Dwayne Atkinson gave Cavalier the lead in the 11th minute before Odean Pennycooke pulled the league leaders level in the 24th minute.
King would seal the win for Cavalier in time added, as he stepped up and converted from 12 yards out.
It was a fairly even start to the match as both teams sought to settle into their style of play.
Cavalier would take the ascendancy when Atkinson, capitalising on a defensive effort, broke through on goal and slotted calmly past the goalkeeper.
It would be Atkinson’s only action of the match, however, as, just a few minutes later, the forward was forced off the field after going down injured in an off-the-ball incident caused by the uneven surface at the match venue.
Rudolph Speid, head coach for Cavalier, said the club will now begin their assessments while hoping that Atkinson will return in time for the play-offs.
“It was his ankle,” Speid explained after the win. “He stepped into a hole. We’re going to assess him tomorrow and see what happens and then come up with the plans on how to get him better.”
Pennycooke levelled the score for Mount Pleasant in the 24th minute as, after an initial blocked shot, he pulled off an acrobatic bicycle kick to rustle the back of the net.
Both teams had seemed content to leave with a point each, as, despite the fair share of chances, neither team pressed for the winner.
That changed in time added, however, when a late challenge from Shaquille Dyer in the box gave Cavalier the opportunity to snatch the win.
Theodore Whitmore, head coach of Mount Pleasant, had little critique for his team, who he felt had handled their opponents well up until the final minutes.
“Such is the nature of the game, and congratulations to the Cavalier team. I think it is a game that we managed for the most part but we just didn’t see it out. But, overall, I’m pleased with the performance,” Whitmore explained.
The result sees Cavalier remaining fourth in the standings on 66 points, though they now move three points clear of fifth-place Portmore United.
For Mount Pleasant, the result will have little effect on their standings, as they have already secured their place at the top of the table with an unassailable 87 points.
English (US) ·