‘Junglists’ set sights on Mount Pleasant

October 11, 2024
Montego Bay United’s Courtney Allen (left) battles for the ball with  Shai Smith of Arnett Gardens during their Jamaica Premier League encounter at the Montego Bay Sports Complex on Monday night. Montego Bay won 1-0.
Montego Bay United’s Courtney Allen (left) battles for the ball with Shai Smith of Arnett Gardens during their Jamaica Premier League encounter at the Montego Bay Sports Complex on Monday night. Montego Bay won 1-0.
Arnett’s head coach Xavier Gilbert.
Arnett’s head coach Xavier Gilbert.
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AFTER THREE games in the 2024/25 Jamaica Premier League season, Arnett Gardens have registered a victory, a draw and a defeat. Up next will be last season's beaten finalists, Mount Pleasant Academy, and, according to head coach Xavier Gilbert, the team is already eyeing next Wednesday's assignment.

"We have a tick in each column, not what we would have wanted but it's similar to how we started last year. Hopefully, we can get the three points against Mount Pleasant but we know it's not going to be easy. They're coming off a big win while we're coming off a loss and we want to ensure that we get something out of the game," the Arnett Gardens head coach said.

Gilbert shared that playing at home, at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, could work in his team's favour as it's been a happy hunting ground in recent times for his players. His team, according to Gilbert, hasn't settled down as yet but while the season has just started, it's important to stay within touching distance of the early pace setters.

"We will be at home (for the next match) a place where we have a decent record and we would want to keep it that way. We haven't settled down as yet and that's the reason why we haven't gotten the best results. There's still a long way to go and we're mindful of that as we are in it for the long haul. No need to push the panic button this early but we can't allow the leaders to slip away from us," he added.

Mount Pleasant have won their two games played scoring six goals and are yet to concede. Gilbert added that based on their (Mount Pleasant's) talent pool a good start to the season isn't a surprise.

"That's Mount Pleasant, we know the quality that they possess. However, it has always been a keen and close encounter whenever we play. The team that makes the least mistakes and capitalise on their moments would normally come out on top. Hopefully, we can make use of ours," Gilbert said.

Arnett are seventh in the standings with four points, while Mount Pleasant are in fourth with six points. Cavalier lead the league with 10 points from four games.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com

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