IN A clash of wounded giants seeking their first wins of the season, defending champions Cavalier came out 3-2 victors over Arnett Gardens yesterday at Sabina Park in Wray and Nephew-sponsored Jamaica Premier League (JPL) action.
A lone strike from Jamoy Dennis (22nd minute) and a quick-fire brace from Denzel McKenzie (40th, 42nd) led the way for Cavalier as they left the field with all three points.
Rushike Kelson’s (10th) opener and an own goal from Cavalier defender Jeovanni Laing (68th) were not enough for Arnett as they fell to their second defeat of the season.
Both teams entered the contest needing a win, as Cavalier were held scoreless by Harbour View in their season’s opener last week, while Arnett were thumped 5-1 by Racing United.
Cavalier assistant coach David Laylor praised his team for their improved performance, but felt they had let in two unnecessary goals.
“I think this week was a good performance, as you see. I think it was just maybe two goals that weren’t necessary, but I think we’re getting it together,” he said. “Going forward, we can only get better.”
“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.”
It was the ‘Junglists’ who started the brighter of the two when they took the lead in the first 10 minutes of play, when Kelson converted from the spot.
Chantamoi Taylor would have a brilliant chance to double their lead as he received the ball inside the box after a display of good buildup play.
He would squander his chance, however, his effort sent whistling across the face of goal and just past the far post.
It would be one of their only real opportunities in the first half, as Cavalier grew into the game and wrestled control away from Arnett.
Dennis pulled Cavalier level in the 22nd minute with a composed striker’s finish, as he deftly dinked goalkeeper Anthony Bennett when he was set through on goal.
Marquee signing McKenzie then poked his team ahead with a well-taken effort, letting loose a one-time finish that ricocheted off the crossbar and into the net in the 40th minute.
McKenzie would find his second just two minutes later, this time with a show of flair.
Positioned in the box at the near post, McKenzie met a delivery with a slight flick that looped into the net of an unaware Bennett.
The second half had more end-to-end action as Arnett’s head coach Phillip Williams made a host of changes at the break, one of which included veteran striker Fabian Reid taking to the pitch.
Reid had a chance at goal just before the hour mark as he was found free inside the box, but his shot on a swivel was tame and trickled far wide of the mark.
Arnett’s increased tempo in the second half would pay dividends, but through a series of unfortunate events for their opponents.
Experienced defender Laing and his goalkeeper Jeadine White had a mix-up at the back which proved costly, as an intended pass from Laing found its way into the back of his own net.
Arnett came close to finding the equaliser minutes before the final whistle as Kelson’s free kick effort forced a save out of a diving White.
The Junglists’ pressure in the second half proved too little too late.
The result sees Cavalier moving to four points in the JPL standings, while Arnett remain rooted at the foot of the table without a point, having conceded eight goals in two games.
In the day’s other games, Mount Pleasant were held 1-1 by Molynes United at the Montego Bay Sports Complex, while Montego Bay United beat newcomers Treasure Beach 3-1.
