Young players need to grow up – Waite - Coach loses patience as Arnett goes down 0-3 to Portmore

Arnett Gardens coach, Jerome Waite, believes the team is missing the experience of players like Oneil ‘Bigga’ Thompson, Renae Lloyd and Keneil Hyde, who all moved to Humble Lion in the off season.

Arnett fell 3-0 to champions and Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) leaders, Portmore United, at the Spanish Town Prison Oval yesterday and Waite believes that if his young players continue their inconsistent form, they could be in danger of losing out on a play-off spot.

“One of the things is how long these youngsters concentrate for. The defensive unit in the second half wasn’t the same as the first half. But Portmore was more disciplined, as a result they got three goals out of nothing. These youngsters have to understand that it is a job at hand and if they want to be a part of a team that will be successful, they have to work hard and what they displayed today is not acceptable,” Waite said.

He added that. “Experience is always a key factor and when you look at the team, some players who have moved on could have made a difference based on their experience.”

GET ACT TOGETHER

The defeat means that UWI and Tivoli Gardens are both within striking distance with five games to go and Waite says the Junglists must get their act together before it’s too late.

“The concern is how well these youngsters play together, work assiduously and understand that it is a team game and not about themselves. It’s possible (to miss out on top six) so these players have to understand that this is a job at hand and they have to take it more serious and apply themselves accordingly,” said Waite.

In an evenly contested first-half, Fabian Reid got Arnett’s best chance, while Javon East came closest for Portmore in the opening exchanges. However, five minutes after the break Emelio Rousseau floated a cross that eluded all and ended up in the net. Fabian Reid thought he had an equaliser moments later, but he was called for hand ball.

Five minutes before the end, Lamar Walker left his marker for dead before setting up Andre Lewis, who doubled the advantage before Cleon Pryce sealed the win on 90 minutes, after a fine assist from Rondee Smith.

“We know when we play against Arnett, even the teams at the bottom of the table, we have to come and prove ourselves,” stated Portmore coach Shavar Thomas.

Portmore are now eight points clear at the top with 56.

Meanwhile, Montego Bay (24) moved off the bottom of the table with a 2-1 win over Cavalier, pushing Reno (23), who play Waterhouse tonight at Drewsland, at the bottom of the standings. Fourth-Place Mount Pleasant (47) moved within a point of Cavalier and Waterhouse, while Dunbeholden moved four points clear of the relegation zone with a 2-1 win over Humble Lion.