‘We have to be better at those things’

PORTMORE COACH Rodolph Austin was left disappointed in the manner in which his team conceded against Cavalier in their 1-1 draw in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) quarterfinal first leg at Stadium East on Friday.

Portmore had taken the lead in the 27th minute through a ferocious strike from former Cavalier midfielder Ronaldo Robinson.

However, eight minutes later Cavalier were back on level terms, when Jerome McCleary glanced home a header from a corner.

Portmore, under Austin, are known for defensive solidity and discipline, and Austin said conceding the equalising goal from a set-play was difficult to take.

“I am very disappointed with the goal. We worked on those things. So conceding from a set piece was very disappointing. We are not playing against cones. We are playing against a very good team. But it’s a hard one to take. We have to be better at those things,” he stated.

Portmore were fast out of the blocks, and Javier Brown’s curling effort from just inside the area was tipped over by Vino Bartlett.

Jaheim Rose also had another powerful strike that went just over. Moments later, Robinson latched on to a loose ball 25 metres out and rocketed a shot into the top corner to put Portmore ahead.

Brown also had another great chance minutes later but could not beat Barclett from six yards.

Austin contends that Portmore are creating chances and hopes his team makes the most of their opportunities when the teams meet again for the second leg on Monday.

“I don’t think there are trying to miss but that has been our downfall this season. We don’t score much. But at least we are creating the chances. So let’s hope we can score them when it really matters.”

For much of the first half, Cavalier were on the back foot but drew level against the run of play, thanks to McCleary’s 35th-minute header that gave Daniel Russell no chance.

After a cagey start to the second half, Cavalier settled into their game somewhat, and although chances were few, Richard King and Dwayne Atkinson tested Russell from free kicks.

Still, the champions had the best chance to steal victory but Atkinson could not get full contact on Jalmaro Calvin’s cross.

Cavalier coach Rudolph Speid credited Portmore for their impressive start to the game, but thought they were better in the second half.

“They played really well in the first half, especially the first 25 minutes. Their movements were very good. They put a lot of pressure on our backline. Portmore started well and we had to contend with it,” he said

“The second half was easier. The first half was harder. We weren’t picking up their movements. They were swift but after a while they started to tire. In the second half we took control of the game, got some good looks but unfortunately none went in.

“But it’s one of those feeling out processes. Looking at what they had, what we had. And we have some things to work with. But we can’t take anything for granted. We will have to work for it,” he said.

Earlier on Friday, Montego Bay United drew first blood in their quarterfinal against Tivoli Gardens with a 2-1 win.

MoBay got goals from Owayne Gordon in the 38th minute and Jourdain Fletcher in the 86th. Tivoli had earlier equalised through Roshawn Oldfield in the 74th.