Another litmus test for Cavalier

Cavalier SC will face a second major test in as many weeks when they host second-placed Montego Bay United in today’s feature Jamaica Premier League encounter at Turner’s Oval.

Cavalier battled to a 1-1 draw with rivals Mount Pleasant on the last match day and, despite another stern challenge against one of the league’s front-runners, assistant coach Everdean Scarlett says the team is determined to make home advantage count and secure a positive result.

“We know MoBay are a tough opponent. We know, if we do not come with our A game ,what kind of game it can be.

“We know what MoBay possess. We just have to press on and eliminate mistakes and it will bear fruit,” he said.

“It is important we get a positive result. It’s a home game and you want to get positive results at home.

“We know they are going to push us but we are ready for the challenge. We are confident and we are not going to make it easy for any team to play us at home.

“We have started our campaign against Arnett at Turner’s Oval. We have garnered some support. The fans like what we are doing and we are looking for a good turnout. The fans will come out to support us and we will put on a show for them,” he said.

Scarlett added that the return of Christopher Ainsworth from national duty will provide another boost for the team.

“The addition of Christopher Ainsworth will give us another attacking option to carry the team forward.

“Based on our start (to season), we have never started like this. I am pleased with the progress we have made,and, once we tighten up on a few things, we will be in for a good season,” he added.

Montego Bay United share the lead atop the standings with Waterhouse on 10 points, although Waterhouse hold the advantage on goal difference.

Cavalier sit sixth on seven points, having played one match fewer.

Montego Bay United coach Javier Ainstein said his team showed “two faces” in their last game against bottom-placed Dunbeholden, and that inconsistency cost them maximum points.

“The first half, we played really good and created scoring chances. We needed to score the second goal and we didn’t. So the second half was real complicated for us, but our keeper was there to save the team.”

Although Montego Bay United have won three of their four matches and remain unbeaten this season, they have not been prolific in front of goal, scoring just four times. By contrast, Waterhouse and Racing United have already reached double figures.

However, Montego Bay United have been solid defensively and are yet to concede a goal this season.

Meanwhile, at Effortville, Humble Lion will be seeking a second positive result in consecutive matches after earning their first point of the season against Treasure Beach last week, when they face Chapelton Maroons in a Clarendon derby.

At the Dunbeholden Sports Complex, the home side will be hunting their first point of the campaign against 11th-placed Molynes United, who have three points.

All matches start at 3 p.m.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Today’s Games

Cavalier vs Montego Bay United, Turner’s Oval

Humble Lion vs Chapelton Maroons, Effortville

Dunbeholden vs Molynes United, Dunbeholden Sports Complex

All matches begin at 3 p.m.