Bernard blames weariness for Harbour View’s jaded 1-0 win

WESTERN BUREAU:

Ludlow Bernard, coach of Harbour View, identified tired legs as the reason for their lacklustre performance in their 1-0 win over Montego Bay United (MBU) in their Jamaica Premier League (JPL) match at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall on Sunday.

"We were very timid, and I couldn't understand why, however, my trainer pointed out that it has been four games in 10 days, which may have had some effect," Bernard said.

"We have had to start preparing for how we will approach the next two games because, clearly, some legs are a bit wary. We need some good recovery, which we have already started," he added.

Last Wednesday, Harbour View booked a place in the semi-finals of the Lynk Cup knockout competition with a 3-1 aggregate win over Chapelton Maroons, who they defeated 1-0 a week prior. Sandwiched between was a 1-1 draw with Molynes United in the JPL.

Despite the toll playing both competitions may have on them, Bernard said they are focused on lifting both titles.

"What we have been trying to do is to use up the entire squad as efficiently as possible, but we still have persons who are multiplying the minutes. We still have to find ways to manage, and recovery is going to be key," Bernard said.

"I'm very confident in my squad. We need to find that added motivation to get them going. They also need to see it as an opportunity for themselves to audition for when the bigger games come. We are not underrating the Lynks Cup, it's a trophy to be won, and we are going for it just as much as we are going for the JPL title," he added.

Looking back at the game Bernard, who said they get better going into the playoffs, believes the result and what it means will boost their morale.

"At this point in the season, we definitely have to be sharper. We did enough not to entertain MBU with much goalmouth threat. It was also good to see Shamar Dyer back into the defence after a long layoff. Getting the three points and outright qualifying (for the playoffs) was important for the psyche of the team," Bernard said.