Arnett stop Mount Pleasant 2-0

by

Livingston Scott - STAR Writer

December 28, 2023

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Molynes United’s Jhanni Flemmings (right) slides in to challenge Montego Bay United’s Jean Claudio Rios Ferreira.

Montego Bay United’s Shaquille West (left) tries to avoid the challenge of Molynes United’s Sujae McBean.

Arnett Gardens slashed Mount Pleasant's lead at the top of the Wray and Nephew-sponsored Jamaica Premier League (JPL) to one point after scoring a 2-0 win over the defending champions at the Anthony Spaulding Complex yesterday.

Mount Pleasant had a four-point advantage going into the game, but second-half goals from Kimani Arbouine in the 54th minute and Jariem Thomas in the 69th provided the Xavier Gilbert-coached Arnett with their sixth victory and placed them a point off the lead.

Arnett, however, slipped from second to third in the points standing behind Tivoli Gardens, who defeated Harbour View 3-0 and have a superior goal difference.

"Both teams played well," said Gilbert. "We are happy for the win. We executed our game plan, and I am pleased with that. The players really wanted to do it, and they rose to the occasion and delivered today."

Arnett Gardens still have one outstanding game, having played 10, and can surpass Mount Pleasant before the end of the first round.

"It (being one point off the lead) is definitely a boost. We have a game in hand, but just to beat them is a motivation for the players," Gilbert added.

Mount Pleasant came into their own after a slow start and had three great chances to edge into the lead, but three excellent saves from goalkeeper Asher Hutchinson and some desperate defending kept them at bay.

After the break, Mount Pleasant continued to show greater initiative, but Arnett took the lead when Arbouine picked up a loose ball and fired home from the edge of the area.

Atapharoy Bygrave had a good chance for Mount Pleasant, which was blocked soon after, while Demario Phillips set up Marlon Allen in the 65th minute but failed to beat Hutchinson from six yards.

Arnett added another goal to their advantage when Thomas slammed in Arbouine's cushion header.

Warner Brown had a glorious chance to make it 3-0 for Arnett but could not beat Shaquan Davis, who was at his mercy.

"I don't think it was a 2-0 game," Mount Pleasant coach Theodore Whitmore said.

"It was a fair game. We controlled possession, but what have been of concern of late, is our effectiveness in the final third. If you look at our team, our leading scorer is (winger Kimonie) Bailey, so we are not finding the back of the net, and that was the area we fell short in," Whitmore continued.

Mount Pleasant lead the standings with 22 points, followed by Tivoli, Arnett and Portmore on 21. Dunbeholden are next on 18 and then Waterhouse, Cavalier and Vere on 15 points each.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com