Daley delivers on first start - Cavalier break TG jinx to book RSPL semi spot
Published:Wednesday | April 4, 2018 | 12:00 AMRobert Bailey/Gleaner Writer
Forward Nique Daley turned in a brilliant performance to lead Cavalier into this year's semi-finals of the Red Stripe Premier League, following their 2-0 victory over hosts Tivoli Gardens in their second-leg quarter-final at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex yesterday.
Both teams had played out a 0-0 scoreline in their first-leg encounter at Stadium East on Sunday.
Daley, who was starting for the first time this season, scored his first goal of the season in the 26th minute and provided an assist for Alex Marshall to score in the 30th minute to propel Cavalier to victory.
The 17-year-old Daley, who represented Clarendon College in last year's daCosta Cup, said that he was very happy with his performance.
"It is a great feeling to score my first goal in the Premier League in a quarter-final against Tivoli Gardens, and so it is a plus for me and my team going into the semi-finals," said Daley, who netted 25 goals for Clarendon College last season.
"I think it was a good overall perform-ance from me because this is what I worked for all season, and we really wanted to win this game, and we came out and we played a team game, and so I am happy that we are in the semi-final," Daley said.
The powerfully built Daley netted Cavalier's opening goal when he turned away from two defenders inside the 18-yard box to fire home past custodian Nicholas Clarke.
However, Tivoli's striker Elton Thompson came close to levelling the score a minute later, but his powerful 25-yard shot hit the crossbar.
Daley, who tormented the Tivoli defenders with his quick dribbling skills and clever off-the-ball movements, popped up in the six-yard area to lay off a pass to Marshall to score from point-blank range. Cavalier led 2-0 at half-time.
FAULTY SHOOTING
Tivoli tried desperately in the second half to get on the scoresheet, but they were let down due to faulty finishing from their attackers. It was Cavalier's first win over Tivoli Gardens in the Red Stripe Premier League in 11 encounters.
"It was a tough loss because we managed to concede two soft goals due to defensive errors," said Omar Edwards, coach of Tivoli. "However, we created several opportunities, and we could have got ourselves back into the game, but faulty shooting prevented us from getting back into the game."
Added Edwards: "I think in the end, Cavalier wanted it more and kudos to them going forward."
Cavalier will now face Portmore United in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, hosts Waterhouse will take a 1-0 lead into their second-leg quarter-final encounter against Harbour View at the Drewsland Mini Stadium today. Match time is 7 p.m.