CAVALIER SC clipped former champions Portmore United FC 1-0 in the opening round 2013-14 Red Stripe Premier League match at Stadium East yesterday.

Severo Murphy benefited from Portmore goalkeeper Kemar Foster’s blunder to tap into an empty net in the 26th minute to secure the three points.

Cavalier head coach David Laylor said he was happy his team got off to a winning start in the competition in a “tough game” against the visitors.

Portmore coach Linval Dixon said his team’s tendency of “not scoring chances” was a let-down.

Early in the contest, Cavalier custodian Gariece McPherson, formerly of Portmore United, brilliantly saved with his leg to deny Stephen Williams’ powerful left-footed blast.

Minutes later, his opposite number Foster fumbled what looked a straightforward take and allowed Murphy to separate the teams in a generally dull first half.

The action in the second period mirrored that lack of enterprise and despite a late surge by the visitors, Cavalier, who had the edge on Portmore last season, held on for the victory.

Teams:

Cavalier — Gariece McPherson, Andre Forbes, Claudius Blackburn, Sean Fogah, Severo Murphy (Conroy Johnson 90+1), Donovan Alveranga (Peter Keyes 58th), Jeffrey Henry (Jahmika Hutchinson 85th), Geovaunie Samuda, Girvon Brown, Kirk Fletcher, Dwayne Holmes.

Subs not used: Jovel Plunkett, Romario Constant, Elton Thompson

Booked: Holmes (77th), Murphy (88th)

Portmore United — Kemar Foster, Adrian Reid, Upston Edwards (Roberto Johnson 74th), Rosario Harriott, Damion Binns, Andrew Vanzie, Ricardo Cousins (Damian Williams 74th), Leaughn Williams, Ewan Grandison, Suelae McCalla (Bryan Bayliss 74th), Stephen Williams.

Subs not used: Carlloyd Walters, Kereem Manning, Jovan East

Booked: Williams (19th)

Referee: Valdin Legister

Assistant Referees: Richard Washington and Omar Mills

Fourth Official: Veralton Nembhard

Match Commissary: James Pearson