Cavalier SC earn first win - Champions turn back misfiring Arnett Gardens FC in JPL

A brace from new signing Denzel McKenzie led the way for two-time defending Jamaica Premier League (JPL) champions Cavalier, as they defeated Arnett Gardens FC 3-2 yesterday at Sabina Park to earn their first win of the season.

Rushike Kelson would open the scoring for Arnett Gardens in the 10th minute of play.

But Cavalier responded, racing to a 3-1 lead by half time through goals from Jamoy Dennis (22nd) and McKenzie (40th, 42nd).

An own goal from defender Jeovanni Laing in the 68th minute would close the deficit to one goal, but it was not enough for Arnett Gardens FC to rescue a point.

Cavalier had been enduring a slow start to their season following a defeat and a draw against Cibao and Juventus des Cayes, respectively, in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup, and their scoreless draw with Harbour View in the opening match of the JPL.

The defending champions were able to shake off that rust, however, when they got the better of a struggling Arnett outfit, which took the lead as Kelson converted from the penalty spot.

Their lead would not last long however, as Dennis would pull Cavalier level before the half-hour mark. Racing through on a counter, Dennis would deftly dink his way past Arnett custodian Anthony Bennett to score the game's equaliser.

McKenzie would then seal the win as in the 40th minute, he was on target with a one-time effort that hit the crossbar before lodging into the net.

He would find his second goal just two minutes later, this time with a cheeky flick that caught Bennett unaware.

Arnett would get a consolation effort in the 68th minute when miscommunication at the back between Cavalier defender Laing, and goalkeeper Jeadine White, saw Laing conceding an own goal.

Cavalier's assistant coach, David Laylor, was pleased with his team's win, but criticised their defensive efforts after conceding two "unnecessary goals".

"I think this week was a good performance as you see. I think it was just maybe two goals that wasn't necessary, but I think we're getting it together. Going forward, we can only get better," he said.

"We got three [goals] today which shows that we're getting better. Goals will be coming going forward. We're working on it so today was a good look to see that the work we have been putting in is coming to fruition."

Addressing the manner in which they conceded, Laylor added: "It was just indiscipline and I really believe that is something we have to fix. It was a really poor performance at the back today but we'll get better as we go along."

SLOW START

Another JPL giant, Mount Pleasant Football Academy, have also been enduring a slow start to their season as they played out a second consecutive draw in the opening match of a doubleheader at Montego Bay Sports Complex, Catherine Hall.

Having rescued a point in a 2-2 draw against Montego Bay United FC last week, Mount Pleasant were this time held to a 1-1 draw by Molynes United FC.

Shaquille Bradford had given the St Ann-based team the lead in the 53rd minute yesterday, but they surrendered their lead just five minutes later when Marlon Pennicooke, from the penalty spot, levelled the score for Molynes.

In the feature game out west, Montego Bay United turned back newcomers Treasure Beach FC 3-1 to secure their first win of the season.

Jahmari Clarke fired MoBay United into the lead at the 13th minute, an advantage they held for a long time in a game that ended with a flurry of goals.

Omari Brown equalised for Treasure Beach at the 85th minute. But any hope by the south coast team of claiming a point soon disappeared, as Jourdain Fletcher netted a double (89th - penalty, 90+3) to secure all three points for the home team.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com