A four-goal blitz in the first half on Sunday carried Cavalier SC to a resounding 4-0 victory over FC Reno that strengthened their grip on a Red Stripe Premier League top six play-off place.

Kaheem Parris, in the 32nd minute, Michael Spence (38th) and Chevone Marsh, in 39th and the first minute of first-half stoppage time, got the goals.

With the additional three points earned at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, fourth-placed Cavalier move to 47 points, the same as Waterhouse FC. However, with a far superior goal difference, they are ahead of fifth-placed Waterhouse, who lost 1-2 to Humble Lion FC on Sunday.

Harbour View FC, who ended 0-0 against Arnett Gardens FC, occupy sixth place on 46 points.

The game at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex opened without much fanfare as the teams tried to find their rhythm. However, with 13 minutes remaining in the half Cavalier won a free kick just outside the area, and without much ado Kaheem Parris found the back of the Reno net with a well-taken effort to send the hosts on their way.

Six minutes later, Michael Spence received from Chevone Marsh to double the score. With the floodgates opened, two more goals followed. Spence switched to provider for his side’s third, setting up Marsh in minute 39. On the verge of the break, Marsh stepped forward to stretch the score to 4-0.

Reno Head Coach Vassel Reynolds made changes in the second half that added some stiffness to his team’s play. But four goals up, Cavalier eased off the gas and coasted to victory.

“The win is pleasing for us,” said Cavalier Head Coach Rudolph Speid at the end of the game. “We were aware that Reno had a mathematical chance of going through and we prepared to have this sort of result,” he added.

Reynolds said the team lost focus and capitulated after conceding the opener fairly late in the first period.

“We prepared for the game and played well until about the 35th minute. Then the goal scored and from there we lost our concentration, and from then conceded three more goals. Basically, what we did in the second half was to play for pride and we did that admirably, but we are very disappointed,” Reynolds said.

Teams:

FC Reno — Dennis Taylor (Akeem Brown 46th), Shamar Bernard, Omar Johnson, Afiba Chambers, Jashane Foster, Bobby Brown (Fancy – Hue Stewart 46th), Donovan Brown, Romone Plummer, Daniel Reid (Hanel Burrell 74th), Chevar Menzie, Kavar Walker

Booked: Johnson (51st), Plummer (82nd)

Subs not used: Dwayne Foster, Kemoy Carruthers, Romeo Graham, Delon Brown

Cavalier SC — Chevon Marsh, Jamai Topey, Alex Marshall (Nique Daley 79th), Rushane Plummer (Stephorn Brown 49th) Paul Wilson, Kaheem Parris, Michael Spence (Tevin Rochester 67th), David Mitchell, Gadial Irving, Kemar Shaw, Clifton Woodbine

Subs not used: Jaedine White, Nicholas Hamilton, Sheldon McKoy, Orlando Brown

Booked: Brown (90th)

Referee: Odette Hamilton

Assistant referees: Lloyd Edwards, Terrence McKenzie

Fourth official: Nerrisa Goldson

Match commissioner: Horace Lewis

— Hurbun Williams