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Cavalier’s Laylor says recent rest provided vital boost for players
January 21, 2026
Cavalier assistant coach David Laylor said the brief rest the team obtained due to a number of their players being involved in the international against Grenada recently has been a positive for his team in the hectic Jamaica Premier League (JPL) schedule.
Cavalier take on Dunbeholden at Stadium East today at 4 p.m., and in the day's other match, Spanish Town Police FC host league leaders Montego Bay United at Royal Lakes Complex at 3 p.m.
Cavalier last played in the JPL on January 11 against Waterhouse and have had two of their matches postponed since.
However, Laylor believes it was a rare chance for the champions to recover physically from the gruelling twice-a-week fixture since December.
Although he noted Dunbeholden's impressive defensive strength this term, he believes that a good performance can give them the three points.
"It (rest) gave us time for players to recover from some injuries, too. So we have used the rest to recuperate and re-evaluate the team. We have a young team, and we have to ensure we stay in the thick of things.
"Our backline is not bad, but we have had a lot of hiccups getting settled. So it's how well we can finish. So the expectation is to play good football. We are really trying to get a rhythm as we have been out of sorts for a little while, and we are just trying to get back with both ball possession and transitioning," he said.
Their opponents, Dunbeholden, have sustained just one loss in their last nine games, and although six of those were draws, they only allowed four goals.
Nevertheless, coach Damion Gordon anticipates a difficult contest and will be approaching the game with caution.
"Cavalier are tough opponents. They have a winning mentality. When we are playing teams like those you have to play careful and disciplined and take our chances," he said.
He is also hoping that they bring their shooting boots to the party.
"Overall, I think the team needs to develop a habit of scoring. That's what we are missing. We are very good in how we defend. We have the best defensive record, but we have an awful offensive record."
Cavalier are sixth in the standings with 23 points, four ahead of Dunbeholden in 10th place.
In the day's other game, league leaders Montego Bay will look to extend Spanish Town Police FC's three-match losing run. After a slump following Hurricane Melissa, the team from the Second City has rediscovered their early season form and are unbeaten in four, with three wins. They lead the league with 36 points, while Spanish Town sit at the bottom of the table with eight points.
