JAMAICA WOMEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE - Real Mona snatch final JWPL semi-final spot over Cavalier
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Real Mona booked their spot in the Jamaica Women’s Premier League (JWPL) semi-finals after defeating Cavalier 2-0 in a must-win fixture at the Constant Spring Sports Complex yesterday in Zone A action.
Olivia Ashbourne opened the scoring for Real Mona in the 17th minute before Shanae Ashley confirmed the win with her strike in the 83rd.
The result sees Real Mona leapfrog Cavalier in Zone A standings to move into second place and take the remaining semi-final spot with 17 points, ahead of Cavalier, who finished third with 15.
Neo Oxford, head coach of Real Mona, said he was always confident his players would get the job done despite having to close an eight-point gap in their remaining three games.
“I think the girls came out. They did well. They played to the game plan, and they fought. That's what you want to see. I told everyone at the start of the season we're coming to bring something different to the league,” Oxford said after the match.
With the majority of his players still in high school, he said the team’s priorities were split between schoolgirl football and the JWPL at the start of the season.
With schoolgirl football over, he said the league is now seeing the true quality of Real Mona.
“The last time I was interviewed I said schoolgirl football is over, so anybody coming needs to beware, and that's exactly what we did,” Oxford said.
“I know what this team can do, and today, they showed that they know what they can do. That has been the most important part, getting them to realise despite playing big women that they have the potential to overcome any Goliath that comes."
Real Mona’s leading goalscorer, Ashbourne, opened the scoring in the 17th minute of play with a striker’s finish.
A well-worked build-up from Real Mona found Keyonna Brown free down the right flank, and she swung a dangerous ball into the box.
Cavalier’s poor defensive marking allowed Ashbourne to run free into the penalty area, where she placed the ball beyond goalkeeper Ornella Lindsay.
Cavalier tried to respond in the first half, but their best opportunity fell to Oneillia Perkins when she picked up a loose ball in the box.
However, Perkins could not direct her shot on target and watched it whistle agonisingly wide.
Real Mona almost doubled their lead before the half-time whistle, with Ashbourne playing the role of provider this time around.
She swung a corner into the box, finding the head of Breanna Mar, whose header was just off target.
The end-to-end nature of the game continued throughout the second half as Cavalier went searching for the equaliser while Real Mona stoutly defended their lead.
Real Mona’s persistence paid off in the closing minutes when recent Reggae Girl call-up and team captain Ashley sealed the win with a wonder strike.
The defender picked up the ball just inside Cavalier’s half before letting loose a stunning effort from range that flew into the back of the net.
Real Mona will now turn their attentions to the semi-finals, where they have booked a date against three-time defending champions Frazsiers Whip.
In the other semi-final, Arnett will take on Los Perfectos.
Yesterday’s results
Real Mona 2-0 Cavalier
Arnett 6-0 Proven Girls
WiFi United 2-1 UWI
Springers United 1-8 Los Perfectos
Frazsiers 9-1 Real MoBay
Mile Gully 0-2 Federal United