‘This is for Luton’ - Ludlow Bernard dedicates Jamaica Premier League title to late club legend

Harbour View coach Ludlow Bernard has dedicated the club's fifth Jamaica Premier League title to the club's former striker and record national goalscorer Luton Shelton, who passed away last year after a prolonged illness.

The Stars of The East defeated Dunbeholden 6-5 on penalties after playing to a 1-1 regulation and extra time draw.

Colorado Murray put Harbour View ahead in the second minute, but Demario Phillips levelled for Dunbeholden in the 57th minute.

Bernard, who became the first coach to hold the Premier League, Manning Cup and Olivier Shield at the same time, said he was also proud of his achievement.

"I want to dedicate this win to Luton Shelton, one of my fallen soldiers, who would have been proud of what transpired here today," he said after the game. "I also want to big up Jermaine Hue and Richard Edwards, who continually supported the group. But Luton Shelton, this is for you, 'Precious' (Shelton's mother), in Tivoli, this is for you, Bobbette (Shelton's widow), wherever you are, this is for you and the family."

He also gave himself a pat on the back for his accomplishments this season.

"I don't think it has been done before, winning the Manning Cup, Olivier Shield, and the Premier League in the same year," Bernard said. "I feel proud of myself and what I have been able to do. The objective when I took up the mantle in 2020 was to get Harbour View back. We persevered because we knew it wasn't going to be a quick fix, but a process that would take place over a period of time. Thankfully, my superiors had a lot of faith in me to get the job done and I am proud I was given the opportunity to lead a very good Harbour View team to title number five."

Dunbeholden kept pouring forward after Murray's early goal and eventually got the equaliser when Phillips tapped in Atapharoy Bygrave's cross at the backpost 12 minutes into the second half.

Both teams had good opportunities in extra time. However, when that failed to produce the winner, penalties were required. There was no separating the sides after the first five penalties but the deciding moment came in sudden death when Dunbeholden's Fabion McCarthy missed his shot after a long stuttered run up to the spot.

Dunbeholden coach Harold Thomas said they were not prolific enough on the night.

"We weren't as clinical as we should be, but it wasn't to be," he said. "There were a lot of challenges this season and to be able to come out with this, I am pleased."