Big first for Mount Pleasant

Sue-Lae McCalla netted a goal in each half as Mount Pleasant Football Academy captured their first Jamaica Premier League (JPL) title after a 2-1 over Cavalier at Sabina Park last night.

It is the first time in the league’s history that a St Ann-based club has won the national title, and coach Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitmore said that despite conceding a late equaliser, they never considered defeat.

“This is my first time with Mount Pleasant in the Jamaica Premier League, and we have created history,” Whitmore said. “After a lapse in concentration, Cavalier got back in the game, but we never dropped our heads. We fought back strongly until we got the winner.”

He had special praise for double goalscorer and captain McCalla, who netted identical headers from corners in the seventh and 89th minutes. Collin Anderson scored Cavalier’s equaliser in the 83rd minute.

“Sue-Lae is a born winner. He not only wears the captain armband, he leads on and off the field “ he added.

After a bright start from both teams, Mount Pleasant took the lead from a set piece in the seventh minute when veteran defender McCalla turned home a header at the near post past Vino Barclett in goal.

Both teams continued to tussle for the ascendency, with both having good breaks at goal.

Cavalier had a glorious opportunity in the 37th minute, but Anderson could not apply the proper finish.

After the break, both teams appeared unsettled with numerous mistakes and no clear-cut chances for either team.

However, with just seven minutes remaining, Anderson, who had been a frustrated figure most of the evening, popped up inside the area to turn home an equaliser.

However, just when it seemed like the match was headed for extra-time Mount Pleasant got the winner when McCalla produced his second header.

“We conceded the same goal, the same way twice. That does not happen often,” losing coach Rudolph Speid said.