Leaders Cavalier drub Lime Hall 4-0
CAVALIER STRETCHED their lead atop the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) to three points after they drubbed Lime Hall 4-0 at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex yesterday.
Jalmaro Calvin gave Cavalier a 1-0 lead at half time, and Gadail Irving, Shaniel Thomas, and Dwayne Atkinson added second-half goals to complete the rout.
Cavalier coach Rudolph Speid said after the match that it was the first time this season that he had a full complement of fit players and that it contributed to the result and their dominance in the game.
“We had to work for it. It was the first time for the season that I had 20 fit players. So I could rotate and we were able to play a bit different with a lot more possession, and the forwards were hungry, and they went for goals and got them,” he said.
According to Speid, it is important that they continue to occupy a top-two spot.
“I don’t think it is important or not (to lead the league). This league is a knockout at the end, but it is good for us to stay in the top two. So we will try to stay in the top two,” he said.
Cavalier were dominant from the opening whistle, and Calvin put them in front after 22 minutes, turning home a low cross from close range.
Irving nearly extended their lead soon after, but goalkeeper Jaheim Williams got a hand to his lob before a defender cleared off the line.
Cavalier continued to create openings after the break but failed to capitalise, with Atkinson and Orlando Russell missing good chances.
However, Irving found the second for the league leaders in the 63rd minute with a curling left-foot shot from the edge of the area.
Thomas added a third moments after, when he picked up a loose ball then got by a defender and kicked past Williams in the 79th minute
Atkinson sealed the win two minutes later when he got loose in the 18-yard box and slotted home from 12 yards.
Lime Hall assistant coach Kevin Dixon said they made simple mistakes, which cost them dearly.
“Coming off a victory we entered the game with an energy, but we were going up against a more organised Cavalier team. It was always a difficult task, and when the players got tired, they made some simple mistakes,” he said.
Cavalier now have 40 points, three ahead of Tivoli Gardens, while Lime Hall remain at the foot of the table with seven points, one less than Treasure Beach.