Dwayne “Busy” Atkinson’s extra time goal gave Cavalier a hard-fought 1-0 win over Portmore United as the defending champions advanced to the semi-final of the Jamaica Premier League 2-1 on aggregate at Sabina Park on Monday.

Cavalier, who are also Caribbean Cup champions, set up a date with the league’s second-placed team Arnett Gardens on Thursday.

With both teams locked 1-1 from the first leg on Friday, Cavalier showed what champions are made of and eked out victory despite not playing at their best.

Portmore started the faster team and in the third minute, Shande James headed just wide in what was the first chance of the game.

But Cavalier responded quickly, and in fact just a minute later it took the firm hand of goalkeeper Daniel Russell to deny live-wire Atkinson’s well well-struck effort.

Portmore had a glorious chance to take the lead in the 23rd minute after Ronaldo Robinson’s shot hit the hand of a defender and referee Odette Hamilton poined to the spot for a penalty. However, a weak spot-kick by captain and hard-kicking defender Emelio Rousseau was turned away for a corner kick by goalkeeper Vino Barclett.

Jerome McLeary of Cavalier gets past his marker in the JPL quarter-final clash between Cavalier SC and Portmore United at Sabina Park. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

The football Gods must have been crying from that poor effort as the rains came immediately.
Rousseau almost immediately made amends with his resulting corner kick that sailed past everyone and went inches away from nestling in the net.

With the half ended 0-0, the tie was still delicately poised and, as the rain subsided, a bright reddish full moon appeared to the east of Sabina Park.

It appeared as if it was perched on the roof of Alpha Academy for the start of the second half and Cavalier started brightly, pinning Portmore into their own half.

But it was Portmore who were presented with another glorious chance in the 66th minute. However, James again missed the opportunity to give Portmore the lead as he headed over the bar from inside the six-yard box.

Portmore’s Tarick Ximinez let fly from 30 metres which flew past the upright in minute 73, and the hard-kicking Robinson stung the palm of goalkeeper Barclett from 20 metres in the 83rd minute.

The Gods were smiling with Cavalier and the signs were there that they would make Portmore pay for their profligacy in front of goal as the full time ended 0-0 and onto the extra time.

After sustaining all that Portmore threw at them, including the kitchen sink, Cavalier delivered a lethal counter, the wily Atkinson latching onto a deflected clearance and slotting home in the 97th minute against the run of play.

It was a precious lead that Cavalier would not relinquish with Richard King, Jeovanni Laing and Christopher Ainsworth at the heart of defence.