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After dropping seven points in their last three games and nine in their last five, Mount Pleasant’s coach, Walter Downes, says he still expects his team to regain top form in the near future.
Mount Pleasant won their first four matches of the season and looked a cut above the other teams. However, in recent weeks, the St Ann-based club has fallen off the pace and has dropped from the top of the table to third in the standings with 19 points, four behind leaders Waterhouse.
Yesterday, they were held to a 0-0 draw by Cavalier at Sabina Park, and coach Downes admitted that the last few games have been extremely competitive but he anticipates a turnaround in form very soon.
“Managing expectations is always difficult. It was a great start to the season, but now we are battling to stay in games. But we will come again with a good run of wins,” he stated.
“We have been creating chances. We didn’t create many today because they had a good defence and they brought a different challenge to us. But we just have to take every game as it comes,” he added.
Cavalier were the superior team in the first half and created the better openings.
In the 30th minute, Kyle Ming set up Ronaldo Webster, but his first-time shot from 12 yards was blocked.
Their best chance to go in front fell to Kenroy Campbell, but he blasted over the bar after dismissing his marker.
Mount Pleasant, who were passive for most of the first 45 minutes, got the best chance of the half when Cavalier lost possession deep in their territory and Allan Ottey played in Cleon Pryce, who was blocked by a last-ditch tackle from Lance Laing.
Mount Pleasant were much better in the second half, but their shooting was wayward. Cavalier also had their breaks but could not fully capitalise either.
Kevin Layne had a great chance to steal all three points for Mount Pleasant at the end, but he could not take advantage.
“Today we had some half and three-quarter chances and we didn’t take them,” Downes pointed out. “I was very pleased we managed a clean sheet because they (Cavalier) have been a decent side recently.
“At half-time we changed things upfront, and that’s when we took the initiative. Although we didn’t have many chances, we had the better chances, and I liked the way we finished the game – we finished stronger,” he said.
Cavalier’s assistant coach, Everdean Scarlett, said the draw was a positive point for his team.
“Playing against Mount Pleasant is always difficult, but we got a point, which is a positive result. Mount Pleasant are a tough team, but we are chasing (league leaders), and we wanted to get three points and join them on points. But we got one point and we are pleased,” he said.
Cavalier are fifth with 16 points.
The day’s other game between Harbour View and Montego Bay United also ended goalless.
livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com
Today’s games
3 p.m.: Dunbeholden vs Humble Lion
5:15 p.m.: Portmore vs Molynes United
Both games will be played at Sabina Park.
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