Cavalier break from Waterhouse’s stronghold

Cavalier's coach Rudolph Speid was happier to get their 1-0 Jamaica Premier League (JPL) win over their fierce rivals Waterhouse, than taking over the top spot in the competition.

"Top of the table wasn't important to us. What was happening is that Waterhouse owned us for the last couple of seasons. That was more important to be able to come here and defeat them, especially since they are getting into their strides and are into the top six," Speid said at the Drewsland Stadium after the match on Sunday evening.

The last 21 JPL matches between the two had Waterhouse winning six, Cavalier five, and both teams drawing 10 times.

In a drama-filled matchup, Speid said the players did a good job overcoming the charge from Waterhouse to come away with all three points.

"This is one of those games where there wasn't a lot of finesse. It was more gutsy than anything else, and that's what we have to do in venues like this and the environment that we come in," he stated.

Cavalier had to show stamina as well in the match, with six players returning from Trinidad and Tobago from an international assignment with Jamaica's under-20 the night before.

"We have a game model. I'm sure they didn't forget, so when they come back, they can fit right back in," Speid said.

Their greatest challenge on the night was possibly in the first half when Waterhouse were awarded a penalty.

However, the penalty was denied by goalkeeper Jeadine White, who was later substituted in the second half because of an injury sustained after an awkward fall to deny Waterhouse another opportunity to get on the score sheet.

"He has been great. This is the 10th match that he has been keeping (and) we conceded two goals, and one is an own goal, so he is the form goalkeeper now in the league," said Speid, who named White the Man of the Match.

Waterhouse's coach, Marcel Gayle, congratulated Cavalier on their win, but lamented their failure to capitalise on their chances.

"Kudos to Cavalier. They did their game plan to get all three points. I think it was unfortunate today, (because) we got a little careless. We lost concentration and we gave up a soft goal. We deserved at least a point today," the Waterhouse coach said.

Gayle said they would rebound in the next match to maintain their top-six position in the league.