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Arnett Gardens FC ‘happy’ to claim JPL lead
November 26, 2024
Arnett Gardens FC toppled rivals Waterhouse FC from the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) summit, following a 2-0 win over Vere United FC at the Anthony Spaulding Complex last night.
Arnett's coach Xavier Gilbert said it feels good to be on top, and that their win set them up for an enticing clash against the second-place Drewsland-based Waterhouse next weekend.
"It is a good feeling (being top of the table). But it's still a long way to go. But I am happy we are top and we want to maintain that.
"It makes our next game more interesting with the two teams (Arnett and Waterhouse) to face each other next week," he said.
"We are doing some good things and we want to continue doing those good things and get the results," Gilbert added.
Marlon Martin fired Arnett ahead after 52 minutes and Rushike Kelson (88th) sealed the win to push the 'Junglists' to 21 points, the same as Waterhouse,. However, Arnett hold the better goal difference.
Arnett Gardens dominated the first half and had enough chances to open the scoring.
Kimani Arbouine had the best chance to put Arnett in front but his effort was not strong enough to beat Mikhail Harrison in goal.
After the interval, Arnett were all over their opponents and Martin rifled an unstoppable shot from the top of the area, after Vere struggled to clear.
Warner Brown should have scored moments later but he failed to beat Harrison at the near post, while Arbouine wasted a good chance to add a second when he whisked an effort wide after bursting through a crowd of defenders.
Arnett Gardens' goalkeeper Roje Williams nearly let Vere back into the game after he spilled a cross, but Josiah Daniel could not turn home from a tight angle.
Arnett then sealed the win two minutes from the end when Kelson slammed home from close range from a Warner Brown pass.
Arnett came close to adding a third when they had a shot that just missed the upright, while Brown had a chance blocked after being played through late on.
The defeat left Vere hovering just above the relegation zone on goal difference, as they are level on nine points with bottom-place teams Humble Lion and Chapelton Maroons.
In the night's other game, Molynes United turned back Racing United 2-1 to climb out of the relegation zone. Goals from Jerome Nelson (24th) and Jason Wright (32nd) saw the Jermaine Thomas-coached team secure a come-from-behind win, after Andrew Campbell (32rd) had given Racing the lead.
Molynes are now 11th with 10 points, while Racing stayed ninth on 11 points.
