DESpite playing with 10 men for about an hour, Humble Lion FC earned their second win in Jamaica Premier League (JPL) after defeating defending champions FC Cavalier 2-0 in the first game of a double-header at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Sunday.

Goals in the first half by Kemar Mullings, in the sixth and 25th minutes, ensured that Humble Lion walked away with the well-needed three points.

Xavian Virgo was sent off in the 34th minute by referee Okeito Nicholson for a dangerous challenge on Cavalier’s Kenroy Campbell.

Humble Lion moved up to 14 points from 15 games in ninth place in the standing, while Cavalier remained in fifth spot on 23 points.

It was always going to be hard for Cavalier, mentally, following the tragic death of their young player Omar Laing recently. But the team came out and started the game on a positive note. They held most of the possession from the early exchanges, but it was Humble Lion who struck first when Mullings latched onto a loose ball inside the penalty box and made no mistake, shooting past Jeadine White in goal.

Kenroy Campbell tried his best to find the equaliser for Cavalier but his long-range effort flew wide of the Humble Lions goal.

Humble Lion should have gone two goals up in the 19th minute, but Andre Clennon’s header just clipped Cavalier’s crossbar on the way out for a goal kick. However, their second goal came soon after through Mullings, who had out battled Cavalier’s Kyle Ming to score his third goal for the season.

Virgo was then red-carded, and with Humble Lion playing one short, Cavalier came to life, but their attackers failed to convert in promising situations.

Cavalier continued to dominate possession in the second half, but found the goals hard to come by. Dennis Taylor, in goal for Humble Lion, was the hero, as he denied Cavalier on numerous occasions.

Humble Lions’ Head Coach Andrew Price was pleased with his team’s effort.

“A lot of resilience getting that card early…going down to 10 players really changed the dynamics of the game and I think the players worked hard on getting all three points especially after getting that red card. They [players] really followed instructions, they stuck to the task and really played hard and I think it is a good result,” Price said.

His opposite number Rudolph Speid said it was difficult getting his team up for the contest.

“We didn’t have the little edge and so we couldn’t get to score a goal. Since Wednesday, we haven’t really had a training session. We have gathered but no training and it was always going to be an uphill battle for us,” said Speid.

SUNDAY’S RESULTS

Cavalier 0, Humble Lions 2

Montego Bay 0, Mount Pleasant 3

Vere 0, Tivoli Gardens 1

Arnett Gardens 3, Harbour View 0