KINGSTON, Jamaica — New Dunbeholden FC head coach Alex Thomas believes lapses in concentration proved costly in his team’s 2-1 defeat to Cavalier SC in the opening round of the Jamaica Premier League, but remains confident the club can turn things around quickly.

Thomas, while disappointed by the result, said there were encouraging signs from his team’s first competitive outing under his guidance, particularly their ability to get on the scoresheet.

Dunbeholden took the lead courtesy of Clive Wedderburn in the 10th minute. But an own goal by Christopher Matthews pulled Cavalier level before Shad Millan found the clincher in the 78th minute and broke Dunbeholden’s hearts.

“Not the result that we wanted, but nevertheless, there’s a lot of positives. It’s our first game, and the good thing is that we scored our first goal. That’s a plus,” Thomas said.

The coach was pleased that his players were able to execute much of the philosophy and objectives established by his coaching staff, but identified concentration as an area that must improve immediately.

“I can say that our team brought the philosophy that we wanted and the objective that we wanted. We executed, but the weakness is our concentration level. It has to be 150 per cent more,” he noted.

“We have to concentrate for the entire 90-plus minutes. We can’t lapse,” Thomas stressed.
He said there will be no time for self-pity, with another tough test against Arnett Gardens awaiting Dunbeholden on Monday night.

“It’s a work in progress, and we build on it,” Thomas said. “We’re going back to the training pitch to prepare for the next game against Arnett on Monday night. That’s going to be our next battle.”

Despite the opening-day setback, Thomas said Dunbeholden are targeting a top-six finish and a spot in the playoffs.

“The ambition for the club — the coaching staff and management team — is to always finish at the highest level,” he said. “It’s top six for us and take it from there. We want to finish higher than last season. The ambition is the top-six playoffs and to push as far as we can.”

Dunbeholden finished ninth last season with 48 points, missing the playoffs by 12 points. They won 13 of 39 games, lost 17 and drew nine.

Thomas also revealed the club is working to a longer-term plan.

“It’s a three-year plan and the work is in progress,” he said.

– Howard Walker