Arnett continue win streak in Premier League
Arnett Gardens FC defeated host Rivoli United 2-0 in a bruising Red Stripe Premier League encounter at the Spanish Town Prison Oval yesterday.
The goals came from Andrew Phang in the 51st and Leon Strickland in the 73rd. With the victory, Arnett moved to 23 points, only four points behind leaders Waterhouse FC, who visit Montego Bay United today. Rivoli, suffering a third loss in their last six games, have 16 points.
Yesterday’s game lacked entertainment and incisive attacks, but was highlighted by physical play, particularly in the first half as both teams resorted to crunching tackles.
A moment of controversy led to the opening goal for Phang to tap home. The assistant referee on that side of the field had called for offside but was overruled by the referee because a Rivoli player was judged to have deflected the ball into the path of an opposing player.
The second goal came through the industry of Andre Clennon. The forward used his strength to turn away from two defenders and the ball ended up being played to Strickland, who struck a right-footer beyond the goalkeeper Shannon Bartley .
Rivoli came closest during the six minutes of stoppage time. First, Jermey Nelson saw his free-kick saved by ‘keeper’ Peter Harrison and moments later, substitute Kenny Lee hit the Arnett Gardens woodwork from an acute angle.
Teams:
Rivoli United — Shannon Bartley, Kevin Graham, Troy Moulton, Jermaine Henry, Keith Wright, Kemar Bennett, Jermey Nelson, Kemar Beckford, Ross Burton (Kenny Lee 85th), Valentine Gardener (Anthony Greenland 43rd), Cory Burke
Subs not used — Damian Campbell, Zavian Williams, Maurice Bennett, Jermaine Whyte, Andrew Black
Booked — Graham (38th)
Arnett Gardens — Peter Harrison, Dicoy Williams, Jabeur Johnson, Oneil Thompson, Dasha Satchwell, Jahmeel Thompson, Leon Strickland (Michaelos Martin 85th), Steve Clarke (Paul Doyle 89th), Andre Clennon, Jason Moore, Andrew Phang (Jerry Walters 60th)
Subs not used — Damian Hyatt, Kevin Wilson, Jarmar Jackson, Jamar Martin
Booked — Johnson (32nd), Clennon (64th), Walters (90+6)
Referee — Karl Tyrell
Assistant referees — Lloyd Reader, Omar Mills
Fourth official — Doyen Tummings
Match commissary — Norman Blair
