Cavalier struggle but clip Dunbeholden

Two goals from Dwayne 'Busy' Atkinson propelled Cavalier to their third straight win in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) in a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Dunbeholden at the Anthony Spaulding Complex yesterday.

Atkinson netted the equaliser in first half added time from the penalty spot after Dundeholden dominated the first period and took the lead through Stephen Barnett in the 23rd minute.

He then fired the 2021 champions in front in the 63rd minute after a mix-up in the Dundeholden defence.

The Cavalier defence then held off a late onslaught to escape with all three points.

"We were played off the park in the first half," Speid commented afterwards. "They were like raindrops. We just could not pick them up. We didn't have a clue where they were. They were just elusive the whole first half. Luckily on a rare attack, we got the equaliser just before the (end of) first half.

"This is one of the fixtures that no matter how well we play, we always lose. They have performed the best against us of all the teams in the Premier League. We have played them off the park and still lose, so it was good to return the compliment," he added.

Dunbeholden started well and created several openings before Barnett capitalised on a mishap from Cavalier's goalkeeper Jaedine White to give them the lead.

The St Catherine-based Dunbeholden continued to dominate possession and continuously threatened, with Cavalier struggling to come to grips with their opponents.

Peter McGregor wasted a great chance when he blasted over from eight yards.

Cavalier got back in the game when Atkinson was brought down by goalkeeper Damion Hyatt, and the former Kingston College (KC) Manning Cup star slotted home from 12 yards.

Cavalier snatched the lead midway through the second half when Dundeholden's defence failed to clear their lines properly and Collin Anderson found Atkinson, who slotted home from 18 yards.

Dunbeholden pressed for the equaliser but despite coming close, could not find the equalising goal.

"We did enough to at least walk away with a point, but in football if you don't score the chances you create you are going to be in trouble and as a result of that we were on the losing end today," said Dunbeholden coach Jermaine Thomas.

Cavalier will go into the World Cup break on nine points, one behind joint leaders Harbour View and Montego Bay United.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

OTHER RESULTS

MoBay 2 vs 1 Arnett

Harbour View 1 vs 0 Humble Lion

Molynes 1 vs 0 Vere

Faulkland 2 vs 2 Tivoli