Mount Pleasant hope win is ‘stepping stone’ for improved play

Jamaica Premier League beaten finalists Mount Pleasant Football Academy got a taste of revenge when they rallied to defeat defending champions Cavalier SC 2-1 in their football match at the Drax Hall Sports Complex in St Ann yesterday.

This is Mount Pleasant's first win of the season after a slow start.

A clash known for penalty deciding goals, both teams were rewarded one each during the game.

In a hard-fought, fairly balanced match, Cavalier's Christopher Ainsworth gave his team the lead in the 32nd minute from the penalty spot. Mount Pleasant's Daniel Green equalised in the 78th when he struck home from the penalty spot.

Minutes before the final whistle, Mount Pleasant's substitute Raheem Edwards, following some wonderful play in the middle of the park, netted in the 88th minute to secure the victory.

Highly anticipated and jam-packed, the match was filled with excitement, with both teams having several attempts at goal in the early stages while also creating opportunities.

Mount Pleasant head coach Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore acknowledged the win, but criticised their performance.

"We played into the opponents' hands for most parts of the game. I think we didn't utilise the width of the pitch and get in behind the Cavalier back line," said Whitmore.

The St Ann-based Mount Pleasant faced challenges in finding space and delivering in the box.

However, Whitmore commended the team's character and resilience in overcoming a tough opponent that defended well.

"Mount Pleasant and Cavalier games will always be a tough one. We want to take it a game at a time. We want to use this as a stepping stone going forward," added Whitmore.

Both teams had waves of attacks in the second half and went close to scoring multiple times.

Cavalier assistant coach, David Laylor, emphasised the need for players to mature quickly into the system to succeed in upcoming competitions.

"We are still working to get it right. So far the coaching system and how we want them to play, we haven't gotten it right. But again, it's up to the players to mature into it so we can step up quickly," said Laylor.

Laylor noted that the team experienced disappointment owing to last minute mistakes.

"We believe it would have been an easy one-love win, but (there were) simple mistakes at the last minute of the game. It is something we have to correct," Laylor added, noting that the players panicked at the end.

The two giants of modern-day domestic football are also competing in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup.

The win pushed Mount Pleasant to five points, with two draws and one win.

Cavalier have four points, with two losses, one win and one draw.