A rare brace by Leon Strickland propelled Arnett Gardens to an exciting 3-2 win over fierce rivals Tivoli Gardens in their Red Stripe Premier League game at the Edward Seaga Stadium yesterday.

However, a fist fight between Jameel Thompson of Arnett Gardens and Rodico Wellington of Tivoli Gardens at the end of the game threatened to cast a dark shadow an otherwise enthralling contest.

Things got worse as the Arnett Gardens team exited the field to the changing room. It became a nasty brawl involving players and spectators from both teams, before the security forces intervened and brought the situation under control.

It was a sad end to a classic encounter between two long-time football rivals and two communities long polarised by their fierce support of the two dominant political parties in the land.

The bust-up was also a throwback to ugly off-field clashes between supporters of the two clubs, especially during the tension-filled political period of the 1970s.

But before all that, Strickland’s double in the 47th and 77th minutes saw the visiting Arnett Gardens twice coming from behind for a memorable win.

Navion Boyd had given Tivoli Gardens an eighth-minute lead from the penalty spot before Strickland pulled Arnett level with a scorching 25-metre shot that whistled past goalkeeper Davin Watkin before he knew what was happening.

Boyd restored Tivoli Gardens’ advantage in minute 56, playing a neat one-two with Keammar Daley before calmly slotting home.

Arnett’s coach Jerome Waite went to his bench and brought on Marvin Morgan for the in-form Andrew Phang in the 66th minute and the former duly obliged, firing home from just outside the box in the 73rd minute to level the scores once again.

Then four minutes later, Strickland turned in an Andre Clennon shot in the 77th minute.

In the 90th minute, Arnett thought they had a penalty, but referee Kevin Morrison who had pointed to the spot, revised his decision to the amazement of most people inside the venue. Instead, the official gave a free kick just outside the box after goalkeeper Watkins had brought down Kenniel Hyde.

It was Arnett Gardens second win of the season over Tivoli Gardens and their eighth win from 14 games, which took them to 26 points and kept them in third spot. Meanwhile, Tivoli Gardens slipped a spot to seventh on 18 points.

In other games, Rivoli United defeated Sporting Central Academy 4-3 and jumped two places to sixth on 19 points. Sporting Dropped to eighth with 17 points.

At STETHS, Reno and Harbour View battled to a 2-2 draw, while Boys’ Town held champions Montego Bay United to a 1-1 draw at Collie Smith.

Montego Bay United stayed in second spot on 26 points with Harbour View in fourth with 23 points. Reno remain in ninth on 15 points, while Boys’ Town climbed off the bottom of the league to 11th with 12 points.