Bernard: We got caught going forward

With four losses in a row and their sixth defeat in 10 matches, head coach Ludlow Bernard said Monday night's loss against Dunbeholden was the final nail in the coffin with regard to Harbour View's hopes of making the play-offs this season.

Harbour View went down 3-0 to Dunbeholden at the Stadium East field in their last outing in the Wray and Nephew-sponsored Jamaica Premier League (JPL) with the goals scored by Dwight Merrick, Carlington Blackwood and Rojay Smith.

The loss meant Harbour View fell to 11th in the league standings on 19 points, tied with Humble Lion FC who boast a worse goal difference in 12th place.

Bernard, after the defeat, said the team just could not find the goals needed after going behind.

"I think we got caught going forward a little bit too much. We were behind and of course we were seeking goals so we filtered in some persons to generate a little more in attack and as you see, we started to get on top of the game as of that time but then we conceded a goal."

If they fail to make the playoffs it would be first time in four seasons for Harbour View who captured the national title two seasons ago as well as qualifying for the 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Cup.

According to Bernard, the drastic dip in form for the Stars of the East came from the lack of decisive players throughout the season.

"There are number of factors at play. Some of it is just that we've not been playing well and I think sometimes we were lacking in quality in personnel in critical areas of the pitch. We had a very slim hope and we needed to play hard to get there. But when you play and concede goals in the manner in which we did, there are certainly a lot of questions that we'll need to answer," the Harbour View head coach said.

Harbour View will now focus on ensuring the team maintains its place in the JPL. With five matches left to play, they sit seven points above the relegation zone and will be hoping to avoid the drop.

Bernard is confident his team can end their season strong and start their preparations for next season.

"The focus definitely has to be on to retain our place in the competition and then we have to start our preparations for the new season whenever it comes around. That's definitely what it has to be right now," he said.

Harbour View's next fixture will see them hosting Molynes United, who sit 10th in the league on 20 points.