Buckley’s brace swamps Cavalier

IN A repeat of last season’s Jamaica Women’s Premier League (JWPL) final, defending champions Frazsiers Whip proved too strong for Cavalier, strolling to a 4-0 victory on the back of a Shaniel Buckley brace at the Alpha Institute football field yesterday.

Frazsiers Whip, who were all over Cavalier from the jump, sent warning signs from as early as the fifth minute with the dangerous Destiny Powell shooting just wide of the mark from long range.

As they continued to dominate proceedings the deadlock was broken by Tajay Stephenson, her curling shot making its way into the Cavalier net in the 20th minute. Two minutes later, Buckley smashed a shot against the upright, signalling her intent. She would open her account by the 30th minute, outpacing defenders to slot home from close range.

In the second half, Cavalier started to look more threatening. In the opening minute, Akalia Johnson’s first-time effort didn’t bring any discomfort to Frazsiers Whip custodian Italya Robinson.

At the other end of the pitch, Stephenson was again in the thick of things but had to watch as her shot soared high above the bar.

In the 73rd minute, Cavalier’s Ashanti Lewis was left with acres of space and fancied her chances but was denied by the crossbar.

The game was eventually put to bed in the final moments with Latoya Duhaney, in the 85th minute, and Buckley, in the 88th, hammering in the final few nails.

Everdean Scarlett, head coach at Cavalier, said while his opponents have undeniable quality, his charges failed to create opportunities for themselves. He added that losing most of his players from last season also hurt.

“Kudos to the Frazsiers Whip team, as they’re a quality unit. They exploited the spaces and scored, I’m disappointed that we didn’t create a lot of chances but we just have to continue to work hard and come again. It’s a big factor because, when you have quality players, who aren’t on the roster at the moment, it’s certainly a big loss,” he explained

Everald Campbell, assistant coach of Frazsiers Whip, said it was a welcoming sight to have the likes of Powell and Buckley back in the team following national duties with the senior team.

“We have to give thanks to our senior players who came back and helped with our transition play, as they executed very well. We should have scored more but we’ll go back to training and improve our shooting. Nevertheless, it was a good performance,” said Campbell.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com