Speid looks forward as Cavalier finish second

WESTERN BUREAU:

Cavalier secured second place in the preliminary round points standing and a semifinal play-off spot in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) with a 2-1 win over Montego Bay United (MBU) at WesPow Park in Tucker, St James, yesterday.

Renaldo Webster gave Cavalier the early lead three minutes into the contest before Brian Elshot doubled their advantage and seemed to be cruising to an easy win.

However, MBU's assistant coach Dwayne Ambusley, who was forced to come out of retirement once more due to a shortage of players, inspired a spirited second-half performance after cutting the deficit on the stroke of halftime, and the hosts made things difficult for the visitors, although Cavalier held on for the win.

Cavalier's performance, despite the win, showed deficiencies. Technical Director Rudolph Speid stated that they wanted to ensure they play the same brand of football going into the playoffs after losing two quality players, Dwayne Atkinson and Richard King, to transfers in Iceland last week.

"We did a little more than we had to do because we only needed a draw, however, after losing so many players last season and then, now losing our two best players, we have to try to get all the combinations together. We did well in the first half, but I commend MBU, who fought back in the second half," Speid said.

"It (playoffs) will be difficult. Atkinson was easily the best attacking player with 11 goals and assists in all competitions, and King is leaps and bounds above every other defender in the Premier League. They are two quality players, but we have built our team on systems and game model, so despite losing quality, we should do the job just as well," he added.

Speid noted that they will not get much rest, despite finishing in the top two as they now turn their attention to Friday's Lynk Cup semifinal. He, however, sees this as an opportunity for them to keep sharp.

"We don't have any time off. We play Lynk Cup Friday, so it's back to work again after a day's rest. What is good is that we came second, so we don't have to play in the quarterfinals with a smaller squad.

"The season we won (2021), we came second also and waited. I don't think it matters. The rest is also good for some of the players. The Lynk Cup can also help to keep us sharp, but then again, it could work against us if we go to the final because the semifinal of the JPL is three days after," Speid said.