Marshall taking up the mantle at Cavalier

Alex Marshall's 84th-minute goal, which earned his team a point in their 1-1 draw with newcomers Dunbeholden at Stadium East on Sunday, made him the team's leading scorer this season and leaves him just one shy of his total for the entire 2017-18 season.

And with the team's talismanic captain Chevonne Marsh out, Marshall has assumed the mantle, and on Sunday against Dunbeholden, he was not only his team's brightest player, he topped off an excellent performance with a spectacular 35-yard strike that earned a share of the spoils for his team.

In a game in which the visiting Dunbeholden created the better chances, only Marshall seem to be able to cope with the St Catherine side's physical approach as he danced through and around his opponents almost at will when in possession. After Dunbeholden jumped in front with eight minutes left, it was only fitting that the former St George's College star got the equaliser.

"From the start of the week, Coach had been saying that if we don't kick, we won't score, so I tried my luck. But I have been practising all week, and when I kicked the ball, I fired it from outside the box, I picked my spot. I realised my team needed the points today, so I did what I am supposed to do," he told The Gleaner.

"I think the goal topped off a good display. I have been working hard on the field with and without the ball, and I believe that the goal helped to highlight my performance today," he added.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

Although he has overtaken Nicholas Hamilton (four) as the leading scorer in the team and appears to be increasing in confidence, Marshall says there is much more room for improvement and he hopes to continue making steady progress as the season unfolds.

"No, I am not pleased [with the goal tally], but knowing that I am getting the job done for my team gives me some satisfaction. But I have to go back to training and continue to work on my technique and scoring goals as I need to be more clinical in front of goal," he commented.

The wily forward also noted that although Cavalier have not lost in eight games, they have drawn their last five matches at home, and they are looking to change that statistic when Portmore visit next Sunday.

"In those eight [unbeaten] games, we haven't won a home match, so we are working to change that. So come the next home game, which is against the league leaders (Portmore), we are hoping to get a win," he said.