We lost two points, says Portmore’s Hyde

Portmore United coach, Lenworth Hyde, says yesterday’s Jamaica Premier League (JPL) 0-0 draw at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, against ten-man Cavalier, was two points lost for his side.

Cavalier’s Gadail Irving was given his marching orders as early as the 13th minute of play after picking up his second yellow card in the match.

However, Cavalier had the better of play for most of the first half and even the better chances to steal the points, and Hyde believes his team is lacking creativity and initiative in the attack.

“We didn’t create any chances. Seeing that we had the numerical advantage we should have had more chances.

“We lost two points today. We should have won the game but the mental part of our game needs strengthening and we need more creativity at the top of the pitch, and we have just not seen that player,” he said.

Form way off

He noted that Demar Rose is the player they have been looking for creativity, but his form has been way off he said.

“Demar (Rose) is supposed to be providing it, but it is just not happening for him. We need to talk to him and find out what is the problem. But we need creativity to score goals, and we are just not getting it,” he added.

Cavalier had the first real chance of the match, but Ronaldo Webster steered Shaniel Thomas’ pass wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Irving then made the contest an uneven one after 13 minutes when he picked up his second caution for a late challenge.

Then Webster thought he had scored in the 28th minute but was ruled offside.

Portmore’s two best chances came towards the end of the half but missed the opportunity with Jaedine White off his line. Then the national goalkeeper pulled off a point-blank save to save a header moments later.

However, after the break, Portmore controlled the possession but failed to really open up a solid Cavalier defence

Cavalier were content to stay behind the ball and look for breaks. In the 20th minute, however, Chevon Watkin shot into the side netting, while Keni Charleston fired over from in the box for Portmore.

Cavalier assistant coach David Laylor said poor finishing has let his team down in the past two games and they need to improve on that aspect of their play before the playoffs.

“Any team going a man down is going to face some amount of pressure, but I believe we weathered the storm, and even with 10 men, we had a lot of opportunities.

“So it is really about finishing. We have to work on our finishing. Easily, we could have been two or three up for the first half, but finishing is something that players can’t seem to get right, but hopefully, they will get it before the season is over,” he said.

Cavalier remain fifth with 23 points, while Portmore stayed seventh with 16 points.

In other games yesterday, 10-man Harbour View gave up a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Tivoli while Mount Pleasant returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Vere.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com