New strategy helps Cavalier to first win over Dunbeholden

Cavalier coach Rudolph Speid said he is glad to finally get one over last season's promoted team Dunbeholden, after they defeated the St Catherine side 3-1 in the opening round of the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) at Stadium East yesterday.

All three games played last season between the teams ended in 1-1 draws and Speid was glad to start the season with victory over one his most difficult opponent of last term's regular season.

"This is a very difficult team to play against. Last year we drew all three games 1-1. We always score against them but they always hit back. So we looked at how they play and devised a different strategy this time and it worked," he said.

Speid thought his team scored some well worked goals, although he was disappointed with their second-half display and their defending on a whole.

EXCELLENT RUN

"We had lots of possession in the first half and the score was a true reflection on the game. They got some opportunities too but the most important statistic is you have to get the ball in the back of the net. The first one we defended in the opponent's half, we pressed high and it worked. Then it was a brilliant pass to Alex who made an excellent run. So they were well thought out," he continued.

"The defence we have to work on it and I am not pleased with the attack either because we had a lot of opportunities to score more. So I am not pleased with both ends. But I was pleased with the performance in the first half when we knocked the ball around and Dunbeholden was chasing most of the time. I didn't like the second half but it is work in progress. What is important is that we come next week and improve on what we did today. The three points is good but we can get better,"he said.

Chevonne Marsh put the host in front after 23 minutes when he broke through and lifted the ball over Eric Edwards in goal before scoring. Alex Marshall added the second in the 56th minute when he raced through and headed past Edwards for the second of the game.

Dunbeholden pulled a goal back in the 69th when Rodave Murray was fouled inside the area and De Andre Thomas converted the kick.

But a minute later, a moment of madness from goalkeeper Eric Edwards allowed Cavalier to restore their two-goal lead when he released possession to Ajuma Johnson just outside his area and then fouled the midfielder inside for a penalty, which Leonard Rankine calmly slotted home.

Both teams went down to 10 men in the last 10 minutes, with Kyle Ming receiving a second yellow card in the 82nd and Dunbeholden's Thomas seeing straight red in the 89th minute.