CAVALIER and Portmore United were strategic in their path to the first-ever Lynk Cup final next Friday.

Cavalier saw off a jaded Dunbeholden team 3-0 (4-0 on aggregate) in their second-leg semi-final at Stadium East on Friday while Portmore got the better of Harbour View, who had similar exertions in a 3-2 penalty shoot-out win after ending 1-1 (3-3 on aggregate) in regulation and extra time at the same venue.

Dunbeholden and Harbour View were playing their fourth game in seven days, having gone through the first legs of the Lynk Cup and Jamaica Premier League quarter-finals last Friday and Monday, respectively.

Cavalier Technical Director Rudolph Speid, who said last week he was relying on fatigue taking a toll on Dunbeholden, was pleased as he felt it played a factor in this game.

“It was scientific,” Speid said after the game. “We knew they were going to tire at the end of each half, and those were the moments when we struck.”

Speid, who had lamented not having a full squad to choose from in previous games, was happy about the contribution from Shaniel Thomas who scored twice. The other goal was scored by Collin Anderson.

“The introduction of Shaniel Thomas after being sidelined with injury, that was the quality that we needed all along; and because of our youth structure we had all of these talented youngsters waiting to play, and it kinda paid off,” Speid said.

Dunbeholden Assistant Coach Craig Richards says he is proud of the team getting to the semis but is disappointed they did not follow instructions.

“We were in the game, we created the chances that we wanted, but we just failed to convert,” he said. “At the end of the first half we gave up a goal — a very soft one — and having tried to get back they [Cavalier] scored another one and we were out of it. We did not listen to the instructions and, as a result, we paid the penalty for it.”

Those instructions were about movement and bodies in the final third. Although he wanted more from the players, Richards does believe fatigue was key to the result.

Portmore Head Coach Philip Williams gave credit to Harbour View as he believes they played well in spite of their tired legs.

“We are very impressed in terms of the depth and quality of the Harbour View team,” he said after their game. “To have played a tough quarter-final a few days ago and come here and play the way they played, I’m very impressed.

“We knew that we had to press them; we changed gear somewhat in the second half before we got the equaliser. We knew that their legs would’ve given out at some point and we’re happy for the win.”

Harbour View went ahead through a Garth Stewart header assisted by a Rojay Smith cross in minute 39.

Stephen Young equalised with a header of his own from an Emelio Rousseau corner kick in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time to send the game to extra time then penalties. The pivotal moment there came when Demar Rose, needing to score to keep Harbour View in the shoot-out, had his shot blocked by Portmore goalkeeper Benjamin Williams.

“I really didn’t think this game should’ve reached this far,” Harbour View Head Coach Ludlow Bernard said. “I thought it was an own goal [Portmore’s], so clearly we are to be blamed for what transpired here. We were prepared to hold out until the end but the Portmore team just kept going, going, going. As the saying goes, ‘Pressure bursts pipes.’

“I’m satisfied with all the players that participated in the game for us. I feel really sympathetic towards those who missed the penalties, but such is life. Congrats to Portmore on a very good victory.”

The final will be played at Sabina Park on Friday and Williams says he is not focusing on what Cavalier may do, but on how he prepares his team.

“Our confidence comes from our preparation,” he said. “We know what the Cavalier team has to offer. It’s a final and it can be anybody’s game. It’s all about preparation and execution on the day — and we’ll be preparing for that team.”