CAVALIER kept their hopes of qualifying for the Digicel Premier League (DPL) with a close 1-0 win over Rivoli United in their Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) All-Island Confederation Play-off match yesterday.

Playing at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, the home of Arnett Gardens, Cavalier, the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) champion, remained in third spot on seven points from five games.

Fabian Nethersole scored the all-important goal for Cavalier in the 69th minute, collecting a ball inside the box before putting it on his favoured left foot and slotted home.

It was a huge goal for Cavalier as it gives them slim hopes of being one of the two teams that will play in the top league next season.

Highgate and Seba continue to lead the four-team group with nine points after battling to a 0-0 draw at Grays Inn in St Mary, in the other contest of the day.

With one set of games remaining, all three teams are in contention for a place in the DPL. Leader Highgate will host Cavalier on Wednesday, while second-placed Seba travel to eliminated Rivoli as they seek to return to bring top-flight football back to St James.

Despite playing in front of the watchful eyes of Brazilian coaches, Technical Director Walter Gama, Luciano Gama and goalkeeping coach Joao Brigatti, both Cavalier and Rivoli turned in a tepid performance and showed that a lot of work will have to be done if they make to the nation’s top competition.

Rivoli, the South Central winner from St Catherine, started the day on one point and out of contention for qualification, but showed a lot of determination and never made it easy for Cavalier.

But Cavalier were hungrier, and after missing several chances courtesy of Jermaine Gray, Nethersole finally broke the deadlock and calmed the nerves of the Cavalier faithful in the 69th minute.

The diminutive, but prolific striker collected a ball inside the box with his right foot only good for running, then he switched the ball to his more fancied left foot and placed the ball just inside the post for a crucial win.

Last season, Cavalier were on the verge of qualification, only to lose on the last day to St Ann’s Benfica. This year, once again their destiny is in their own hands and a win against Highgate on Wednesday, will see the former Premier League champions back up.