Cavalier still celebrating big victory

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Lamar Morgan, coach of KSAFA Claro Super League outfit, Cavalier, said their victory against defending champions Tivoli Gardens at Harbour View Mini-Stadium in Sunday's semi-final of the KSAFA/Claro Jackie Bell Knockout was no fluke.

Morgan, whose charges progressed to the final, where they will play another Digicel Premier League (DPL) team, August Town, said his team was never fearful of Tivoli, who are also the defending DPL champions, and by playing disciplined, tactical football, they were able to come out on top.

"We didn't have any doubt that we could match up with and beat them, as we know we have a quality team," said Morgan.

"We stood up well and although we went behind, we knew we had it in us to come back, We just had to relax and be patient, and that's what we did.

"We are happy to be in the final, and if we were to win, it would be a big boost for the club, financially and otherwise, as I don't think we have ever won this title," he added.

Played in slippery and wet conditions and under a constant drizzle, Tivoli first took the lead in the 62nd on an Owen Powell strike from just about the penalty area.

Cavalier, who are second in the Super League behind Rae Town with a game in hand, then levelled the score in the 80th minute, with a goal from Donovan Alvaranga.

Claiming the win

With the game seemingly heading for penalties, Cavalier defender David Laylor then claimed the all-important goal in the 14th minute of the first half of extra-time when he rose high to nod in a cross from midfielder Oneil Morrison.

"They wanted it more than us, they played harder than us, and they deserve the win more than us," said Tivoli's coach, Lenworth Hyde, who was missing the services of his top strikers, Navion Boyd and Keammar Daley, who are both away on national duties.

"It's tough to motivate them to play a lesser team than themselves, and they just did not apply themselves," he added.

The win was Cavalier's second giant-killing act in recent times, having brushed aside another DPL team, Waterhouse, on the away-goal rule in the quarter-finals after both teams had played to 0-0 and 1-1 draws.

Meanwhile, August Town defeated Boys' Town 1-0 in the day's other semi-final courtesy of a 53rd-minute strike from Akeem Thenstead. August Town had reached the semi-finals after getting the better of Arnett Gardens 3-0 on aggregate.

The final is also set for the Harbour View Mini-Stadium at a date to be announced.