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Jones’ header secures victory for ‘Junglists’ - Mount Pleasant on JPL rampage with eight straight wins
January 14, 2025
THE Xavier Gilbert-coached Arnett Gardens FC leapfrogged Montego Bay United to move into second place in the Jamaica Premier League following their 1-0 victory in the feature match of a doubleheader at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Monday night on the back of Joel Jones' header in the seventh minute.
Both teams started the day tied on 34 points, but with Montego Bay United second with a better goal difference, this set the stage for an enthralling battle.
Arnett Gardens got the first scoring chance, in the sixth minute, when Marlon Martin's powerful right-footed strike was expertly saved by Montego Bay's custodian Aaron Enill.
However, delight would override the home team's despair shortly after as Joel Jones rose highest from the resulting corner kick to send his team into the lead at the seventh minute.
With Montego Bay now awaken, the tournament's leading goalscorer Brian Brown started to make his presence known and was only denied by an outstretched arm by Arnett Gardens' goalkeeper Roje Williams in the 19th minute, on the back of a thunderous right-footed strike.
As both teams traded opportunities, the 'Junglists' came close to doubling their lead but Rushike Kelson's left-footed strike managed to strike the upright in the 20th minute.
In the second half, chances grew slim but Arnett Gardens' Shai Smith's long range strike, which looked threatening, flew over the bar in the 63rd minute.
LIFELINE
Montego Bay were thrown a lifeline with a penalty in the 70th minute, but captain Owayne Gordon didn't accept as Williams denied him from the spot to ensure his team the three points.
Gilbert, in his post-game assessment, stated that while a few players were deployed in new positions he thought they played well.
"We had players playing in unfamiliar positions so I know it will take time. However, I think they played well. It was unfortunate that Brian Brown got injured but it made life a little easier for us," he admitted.
Rodolfo Zapata, head coach of Montego Bay United, stated that despite the defeat, which is only their third of the season, he was proud of how the team performed.
"We tried different tactics in the game but overall I think it was a good one. Big clubs should play entertaining football and I was pleased with how we played," Zapata noted.
EARLY GAME
In the early game, leaders Mount Pleasant pushed their tally to 40 points after they defeated newcomers Racing United 3-2 in an entertaining affair.
The former champions, who were notching their eighth straight victory, were led by a brace from striker Shaqueil Bradford, who netted in the eighth and 67th minutes. Raheem Edwards scored the St Ann team's other goal, at the 40th minute.
Tajay Grant (72nd) and Stevgaughn Spence (90+3) scored for Racing United, who remained 11th in the 14-team standings on 15 points.
