Striker Devon Hodges struck in the first half to help Humble Lion FC to a much needed 1-0 victory over hosts Cavalier SC in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) match at Stadium East yesterday.

Thanks to Hodges’ 39th minute effort, Humble Lion, who have endured a poor campaign so far, move to 16 points from as many games.

Cavalier, the one-time league leaders, continue to fall behind the front runners and have 22 points.

In cool afternoon conditions, both teams tried to build their attacks with possession-based football, but it was the Clarendon-located visitors who were the more penetrative in the opening period.

Only about 15 minutes in, Humble Lion’s Jermaine Christian saw his header trickle wide of goal after he latched onto a right-sided cross from Jermaine Fletcher.

Minutes later Christian got another chance, but he rounded the Cavalier goalkeeper Roybert Clarke and saw his pass across goal blocked by a defender. However, it is likely Christian would have been better served going for a shot at goal, albeit from an acute angle.

Minutes later Christian got another chance, but he rounded the Cavalier goalkeeper Roybert Clarke and saw his pass across goal blocked by a defender. However, it is likely Christian would have been better served going for a shot at goal, albeit from an acute angle.

As the half-time break closed in, Cavalier also came close when Oshane Jenkins’ header bounced past the near post of Humble Lion ‘keeper Damion Crooks after a lofted cross from Norman Bailey.

But six minutes before the interval, Lion took the lead when Ronaldo Christian broke down the left and cut back a pass for Hodges to direct home with his right foot.

The second half was less entertaining than the first, but there were still a few chances for either side.

The best one came for the hosts midway the second half when Crooks spilled a catch. The mistake came to naught, however, as substitute Davion Roberts’ shot on the turn was cleared off the line by a defender.

Teams: Cavalier — Roybert Clarke, Liston James, Jermaine Ricketts (Davion Roberts 86th), Girvon Brown, Al Nesbeth, Jeffrey Grant (Kamoy Simpson 46th), Dwayne Holmes, Oshane Jenkins, Claudius Blackburn, Donovan Alveranga, Norman Bailey (Jerome Smith 73rd)

Subs not used: David Newman, Geovahn Nelson Booked: Nesbeth (41st), Simpson (69th)

Humble Lion — Damion Crooks, Ajuran Brown, Ricardo Campbell, Jermaine Christian, Ronaldo Christian, Hugh Howell, Wolry Wolfe, Devon Hodges, Dwayne Campbell, Ricardo Cousins, Jermaine Fletcher (Omando McLeod 70th)

Subs not used: Garth Heron, Narado Brown, Sean Coleman, Mark Miller, Fabian Pascoe, Denzil Watson

Booked: R Christian (63rd), A Brown (84th)

Referee: Veralton Nembhard

Assistant Referees: Ricardo Morgan, Nicholas Anderson

Fourth Official: Daneon Parchment