Nelson’s five-timer gives Cavalier fast JWPL start
LAST SEASON’S beaten finalists Cavalier SC outmuscled Proven Girls FC 12-0, courtesy of a fivetimer from the dangerous Shanhaine Nelson to open their account in the 2024 Sherwin Williams’ Jamaica Women’s Premier League (JWPL).
Cavalier opened their account in the eighth minute through Nelson, who capitalised on a mishandled ball from goalkeeper Jonique McFarlane. By the 13th minute, it was 2-0 as Nelson, on the back of a defence-splitting pass from Kadian Edwards, converted what turned out to be an easy chance.
Striker Sashana Watson wouldn’t be left out of the action as she sent Cavalier up 3-0 in the 17th minute, taking advantage of chaotic defending from the Proven backline.
Watson would register her second in the 25th minute, getting by her marker and sending McFarlane the wrong way before passing into an empty net. Nelson would bring up her hat trick in the 32nd minute, while Watson did the same on the stroke of halftime, sending the Everdean Scarlett-coached unit up 6-0.
In the second half Cavalier continued their ruthless onslaught, scoring another six goals courtesy of strikes from Nelson (65th and 74th), Shadie Shirley (67th and 76th) Jynell Graham in the 69th minute and Kersha Thomas in time added on.
Everdean Scarlett, head coach of Cavalier, was pleased with his team’s overall performance.
“Scoring 12 goals is an awesome thing and I couldn’t ask more from my team. If you enter a tournament the ultimate aim is to garner silverware and that’s our objective for this season,” said Scarlett.
Tommy Ricketts, head coach of Proven Girls’ Football Club, said he was without some of his regular players which worked against his team on the day.
“We were without some of our firepower as some of the players had trouble with registration. It’s not a result that we would have wanted but we will be back to play better than this,” said Ricketts.