DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Cavalier and beaten Jamaica Premier League finalists, Mount Pleasant, renew their ever-growing rivalry when they square off in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) feature match at Drax Hall, starting at 3:30 p.m.
The two giants of modern-day domestic football have contested the last three JPL finals, with Cavalier having the edge after winning two of the deciders.
However, it has been a lacklustre start to the season for the two teams. Although Cavalier have a win and a draw in their three matches, they have yet to show real conviction, and look limited in attack.
Cavalier Assistant Coach Everdean Scarlett admitted that they have concerns at both ends of the pitch and have been working to correct those issues.
“It’s early days and we still have some work to put in. It is not easy to replace three players who scored 40 goals. But we continue to work and strive to go forward.”
Scarlett said, even though they lost their last game to Waterhouse, they had multiple chances in that match, and laments that they must improve.
“We created numerous chances that could have got us back in the game and even let us win. But, when you do not take your chances, these are the results you get.
“Its pretty much concerning. You are not scoring and you are conceding. So that is the concern.
“It’s early days. So we must go back to the training and do some work. But we are Cavalier. We will fight to the end,” he stated.
Their opponents Mount Pleasant have not covered themselves in glory to start the season either, with two draws from their two matches.
In the Concacaf Caribbean Cup, however, the St Ann team has been flying with two wins from two matches.
The team was inactive in the JPL last weekend, because of a number of their players’ involvement with the national team. However, in their last game against Molynes, they were expected to take full points but gave up the lead and had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Still, while Cavalier are still trying to put the pieces of their new team together, Mount Pleasant are a well-oiled machine, with an abundance of quality at their disposal, and will start overwhelming favourites, especially considering that they will be at home.
Nevertheless, if Cavalier can sort their scoring boots out, they might have a chance at salvaging a result from the game.
In the opening game at 1 p.m., Spanish Town Police go in search of their first point of the season, against a Portmore team looking to rebound from the defeat to Chapelton last match day.
At Turners Oval, league leaders Chapelton welcome Arnett Gardens. Chapelton have taken maximum nine points from their three starts and will no doubt be eyeing a fourth successive win.
Arnett have struggled for wins this season, the only one coming from the defeat of Harbour View last week.
However, a lot of their defensive deficiencies still remain and it will be interesting to see how they hold up against the high-intensity football of Chapelton.
At the St Elizabeth Technical High School, Racing return to action after missing the last round, against Treasure Beach. The home team have four points from their three matches, and always fancy themselves getting something at home.
Racing, who have two wins from two matches, will look to resume their impressive start to the season, with a third win from as many games.
At the Catherine Hall Complex, Montego Bay United will also look to continue building their solid start to the season. After two wins and a draw, MoBay will go into the game extremely confident of taking the points against a Tivoli team still finding its feet.
TODAY’S GAMES
Spanish Town Police vs Portmore at Drax Hall (1 p.m.)
Mount Pleasant vs Cavalier at Drax Hall (3:30 p.m.)
Treasure Beach vs Racing at STETHS (3 p.m.)
Arnett vs Chapelton Maroons at Turners Oval (3 p.m.)
MoBay vs Tivoli at Catherine Hall (7 p.m.)
MONDAY’S GAMES
Molynes vs Dunbeholden at Drewsland mini-stadium (5 p.m.)
Waterhouse vs Harbour View at Drewsland mini-stadium (7:30 p.m.)
