Real Mona through to JWPL semis

REAL Mona defeated Cavalier 2-0 at Constant Spring Complex yesterday to secure a historic spot in the semi-finals of the Jamaica Women’s Premier League (JWPL) for the first time in the club’s history.

Last season’s runners-up Cavalier started the day in pole position, sitting second in Group A on 15 points, with Real Mona close behind on 14 points. Cavalier needed only a draw to advance to the semi-finals.

Goals from Olivia Ashbourne in the 18th minute and skipper Shanae Ashley in the 84th propelled Real Mona into the last four, after returning to the competition this season for the first time since 2019.

Real Mona Head Coach Neo Oxford said it was an achievement to remember.

“It’s a tremendous achievement for us, into the history books — the youngest-ever team to make it to a senior competition semi-final, ” he said.

”It’s what we have been working for, to prove to some people who called us a no-name academy at Reinas, to show that we can match up not just with the nation’s best, but the nation’s oldest.”

Real Mona leapfrogged Cavalier into second spot in Group A on 17 points. Arnett Gardens topped the group with 27 points, while Cavalier slipped to third on 15 points and missed the play-offs.

The other semi-finalists are defending champions Frazsiers Whip and Los Perfectos from Group B. Frazsiers Whip ended with a perfect 30 points from 10 games, while Los Perfectos finished second on 24 points.

Real Mona started brightly, pinning Cavalier deep in their own half, and deservedly took the lead through Ashbourne who fired home after latching onto a cross from Keyonna Brown.

It was a well-deserved opener as Real Mona made their early dominance count after forcing Cavalier onto the back foot from kick-off.

Captain Ashley marshalled the defence superbly, laying the foundation for Real Mona to press high and force errors, and rushed passes from Cavalier.

Then, from a corner kick that was cleared into her path, Ashley unleashed a 40-metre screamer that soared through the air, sailed over goalkeeper Ornella Lindsay, and nestled into the roof of the net.

An emotional Head Coach Neo Oxford, son of the legendary Neville Oxford, could not contain his joy as he embraced Team Manager Ricky Davis and his players after the young Real Mona side defied the odds to book their semi-final place alongside Frazsiers Whip, Arnett Gardens and Los Perfectos.

Saturday’s results

Arnett Gardens 6, Proven Girls 0

WiFi United 2, UWI Women’s FC 1

Real Mona 2, Cavalier 0

Springers United 1, Los Perfectos 8

Frazsiers Whip 9, Real MoBay 1

Mile Gully 0, Federal United 2

JWPL logo

OXFORD…it’s a tremendous achievement for us (Photo: Observer file)