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Lion humbled in the ‘Jungle’
March 19, 2024
It was a five-star attacking display in the Wray and Nephew-sponsored Jamaica Premier League, with Arnett Gardens dispatching Humble Lions 5-1 in yesterday's fixture at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.
A brace from Chevany Willis and Fabian Reid, with another strike from Jaheim Thomas gave Arnett Gardens the double over their opponents this season. Afiba Chambers' lone strike proved to be a consolation for Humble Lion.
Arnett Gardens head coach Xavier Gilbert said the scoreline reflected their attacking display against Humble Lion.
"I thought we played well," he said. "Disappointed that we conceded a goal again from yet another set piece and we have to defend better. Nevertheless, we rose to the occasion again. I think we dominated possession and created several opportunities in both halves of the game so a deserved win for the gentlemen today."
Humble Lion took the lead early in the game and shocked the home crowd when Chambers found the back of the net in the eighth minute of play. It was a scramble in the box and Chambers was in the right place at the right time to find the game's opener with an acrobatic finish.
CHANCES
Arnett created several chances, but it took a combination from defenders Willis and Joel Jones in the 39th minute, for them to pull level. Willis rose the highest in the box to head home a delivery from Jones.
Thomas was a nuisance to the Humble Lion's defence all night while hitting the post twice. He would give Arnett the lead just before the hour mark when the youngster, on the right end of a ball across the box, fired home past the goalkeeper.
Reid extended their lead in the 69th minute. A quick counter caught Humble Lion flat-footed as Kimani Arboiune slipped in Reid, who made no mistake as he slotted it past the onrushing goalkeeper.
Reid got his brace five minutes later as the veteran striker was a wizard with his feet, slipping past his marker on the edge of the box, before finding the roof of the net, a strike that left the goalkeeper rooted.
DEAD BALL
Willis would get his double from a dead-ball situation with the goal of the game. The defender displayed his trademark-driven shot as he blew through the Humble Lion defence when his long-ranged effort nestled in the back of the net to seal the win.
The win sees Arnett climbing the table as they move up to third in the standings with 45 points. They move past Cavalier, who also have 45 points but boast an inferior goal difference, but sit just beneath Portmore United with the same points. However, the St Catherine-based Portmore have a superior goal difference.
Humble Lion remain 11th in the table with 22 points, level with Vere United, who sit 10th with a better goal difference.
In the earlier match, Portmore United defeated Cavalier 1-0.
