Two goals within a minute pushed Cavalier to a 3-1 win over Dunbeholden at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Sunday as the former champions consolidated the third spot in the Jamaica Premier League.
Omario Henry and Ronaldo Robinson scored in the 15th and 16th minutes for Cavalier, while Stephen Barnett replied for Dunbeholden in the 33rd. Henry put the icing on the cake, tapping home for his second in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time.
The 17-year-old Henry, formerly of Calabar High and now at Hydel High, was the game's outstanding player.
"I was just focused for this match. I was preparing whole week as I was just trying to help the team win the trophy," he said.
It was Cavalier's 11th win from 18 games as they provisionally moved into second spot on 36 points, the same as leaders Mount Pleasant whose game was postponed. Arnett Gardens, also on 36 points, were in action against Montego Bay United in a late kick-off.
It was a major setback for Dunbeholden in their top-six play-off quest as they slipped to seventh spot on 25 points.
"I am really disappointed with the result and disappointed with how we played. It was just a bad game and we just have to go back to the drawing board," said Dunbeholden Coach Greg Richard.
Winning Coach Rudolph Speid, carrying a broad smile, was visibly happier.
"It was just a case of four players out and others stepped up and delivered. This is what you call rich people problem," he joked.
Dunbeholden started the brighter of the two teams but Cavalier struck two, quick decisive blows which crippled Dunbeholden.
Henry opened the scoring, side-footing home a left-sided cross and right from the restart, Cavalier closed down well and stole possession, enabling Robinson to fire home in the 16th minute.
But in the 33rd minute, Barnett reduced the deficit latching onto a right-sided cross making it 2-1.
Dunbeholden were reduced to 10 men in the 55th minute when Zackiya Wilks picked up his second yellow card but in essence, his second infringement should have been a straight red as he was the last defender when he clattered Đwayne Allen who would have been through on goal.
In the 78th minute Cavalier were also down to 10 men as Gadial Irving picked up his second yellow card for an unwise foul wide near to the half line.
With both teams down to 10 players, Dunbeholden had renewed vigour as they pushed forward for the equalising goal.
But it was Cavalier that got a glorious chance of increasing their lead in the 90th minute after a delayed call by referee Daneon Parchment in awarding them a penalty. Đwayne Allen skied his effort to shouts of poetic justice from sections of the crowd.
But Cavalier were not to be denied a third courtesy of a blunder by goalkeeper Damian Hyatt, which allowed Henry to walk the ball into the goal.
SUNDAY'S RESULTS
Cavalier 3, Dunbeholden 1
Tivoli Gardens 0, Faulkland 0
Chapelton Maroons 2, Waterhouse 3
Arnett Gardens 1, Montego Bay 1
MONDAY'S GAMES
5:00 pm — Vere vs Molynes @ Anthony Spaulding Complex
7:30 pm — Harbour View vs Humble Lions @ Anthony Spaulding Complex
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