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Arnett earn late draw against Portmore
April 23, 2024
Fabian Reid's 82nd-minute strike ensured Arnett stayed on even terms going into next Monday's Jamaica Premier League (JPL) quarter-final second leg against Portmore, after a 1-1 draw at Sabina Park yesterday.
A Philando Wing own goal four minutes before halftime put Portmore in the advantage, but Reid's strike secured a draw for the 'Junglists'.
"We didn't start the game as we wanted, but sometimes the opponents cause that. The halftime gave us that break to make some adjustments in terms of what we wanted and how we would do it," said Arnett's coach Xavier Gilbert.
"It worked. The second half we were much better and could have had one or two more goals. We were very disappointed but happy we did not lose the game."
Portmore showed the early initiative and almost went ahead after seven minutes when Alex Marshall rattled the bar with a shot from outside the area.
DICTATE
Portmore continued to dictate the pace of the game, and although Arnett tried to get into their game, they struggled to put the pieces together.
Kaheim Dixon had a great chance to put the 'Junglists' ahead in the 20th minute but kicked straight to goalkeeper Eric Edwards in goal.
Stephen Barnett came close for Portmore moments later, but Edwards denied his strike from close range.
Portmore, however, went ahead in the 41st minute when Jaheim Rose inexplicably struck Marshall's low cross against the bar, but the ball rebounded off Wing into his goal.
Arnett searched for the equaliser after the break but found the Portmore defence difficult to break down.
Portmore also had their moments and almost added a second, but Alvinus Myers' point-blank range header was cleared off the line.
Dixon should have equalised with 10 minutes remaining, but Edwards was quick off his line to turn the forward's effort for a corner.
Reid eventually grabbed the equaliser when Shai Smith cross picked him out and he stabbed home from six yards.
STRONGER
Arnett ended the game the stronger and had openings that they could have done better with.
However, despite being under the cusp for most of the second half, Portmore had a great chance at the end, but Jovaughn Thompson failed to strike cleanly when through on goal.
"We got the advantage," said Portmore's coach Philip Williams. "Similar to the last game we played (against Arnett), we had control of the first half and then they took over (second half).
"The plan was to press them as much in the first half and create chances, which we did. It was just a matter of us not converting the chances we got."
Meanwhile, Waterhouse and Tivoli battled to a 1-1 draw in the first quarter-final.
The second legs are set for next Monday, at the same venue.
