Brown extends scoring run as Arnett beat Tivoli - Waterhouse stroll past Molynes

Warner Brown scored a league leading seventh goal of the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) football season, enabling Arnett Gardens to defeat 10-man Tivoli Gardens 2-1 in the feature game of a doubleheader at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex last night.

Brown scored the opening goal after eight minutes, before Kimani Arbouine netted a beauty for the winning goal in the 65th minute.

Anthony Nelson had equalised for Tivoli in the 22nd minute.

In the opening game, a brace from Waterhouse's striker Andre Fletcher extended his team's unbeaten run to six games as they defeated bottom-of-the-table Molynes United 3-1.

Molynes United were presented a lifeline in the 44th minute, as Jermy Nelson converted from the penalty spot, sending both teams down the tunnel locked at 1-1 at halftime.

Waterhouse would regain the lead by the 56th minute as Fletcher capped off a brilliant buildup by tapping home from close range to register his second goal of the season.

Waterhouse sealed the game at the 85th minute when substitute Nicholas Hamilton skilfully got by his markers in the box and drove home his effort.

With the victory, Waterhouse moved to joint third in the league alongside Montego Bay United on 17 points. Portmore United lead with 19 points.

Tivoli played the last 15 minutes with only 10 men after Kavan Wilson was shown the red card in the 75th minute.

Brown, who played in the United States and Slovenia briefly before joining Arnett last season, did not live up to expectations last term.

However, the 22-year-old said he has worked hard and is back where he wants to be, now setting his sights on the Golden Boot award for this season.

"It is just hard work," he commented. "I had a slow start last season and I planned to change that, and for this season it is paying off right now."

He also praised coach Xavier Gilbert for having faith in him through the tough times.

"He (Gilbert) definitely has a lot of faith in me. He always tells me to put my head down and work hard and help the team and get myself into position and it (goals) will come."

He added also that he wants to challenge for the top scorer award as well.

"Yes, certainly have aspirations of lifting the golden boot this year," he stated.

Both teams gave as good as they got in this traditional local rivalry.

Tivoli had the first chance five minutes into the contest but Denville Watson could not turn his effort home from a tight angle.

Brown scored the opener minutes into the match when he nodded Kimani Arbouine's cross past Diego Haughton from six yards.

However, Tivoli responded through Nelson, who guided home Justin Dunn's cross from six yards past Richardo White in goal.

Nelson had a great chance to make it 2-1 moments later but he could not beat White at his near post.

Then Lennox Russell got a superb opportunity to put Tivoli back in the lead, but Shane Watson cleared his effort off the line, after the forward left goalkeeper White and Philando Wong for dead.

After the break, Nelson had an excellent scoring chance, but it was saved by White. At the other end, Haughton was equal to the task, parrying Jaheim Thomas' tremendous strike wide of goal.

Arnett continued to press and restored their advantage 20 minutes into the second half when Arbouine cut inside his marker, from the left, and spanked a right-footed effort to score past Haughton, who should have done better in goal for Tivoli.

"We missed three clear chances in the first half and they missed one. Other than that poor error in the second half which resulted in a goal for them, at this level it is not accepted," said Tivoli Gardens FC coach Jerome Waite.

Tivoli are second from bottom with six points from eight matches. While, Arnett stay fifth but join Cavalier and Mount Pleasant on 15 points.

"Thankfully, we got three points tonight," said Gilbert. "We knew it wasn't going to be easy but we are happy that we came away with the three points."

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com