Goalkeeper Damian Hyatt went from culprit to hero as his outstanding glove work propelled champions Arnett Gardens to an enthralling 2-1 win over rivals Montego Bay United on match day 20 of the 2015/16 Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) season on Sunday.

Hyatt, who let a two-goal cushion slip when he conceded a soft goal in the 46th minute, later stood bold and came up big to block on 89th-minute penalty by Dino Williams which made the difference in what was a very entertaining encounter at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.

The ever-composed Vishinul Harris, who struck in the 15th minute and Dicoy Williams in the 22nd minute, had earlier handed Arnett Gardens a comfortable 2-0 lead at the end of the first half.

“After making a mistake at the start of the second half, I knew I had to come up big to put the team at the top of the league and I did that.

“I just told myself that I would not panic or nothing like that and when the call was made I just took a deep breath and went the right way. I am very pleased because we are at the top of the league, but we still have more work to do because we are aiming to break the record that we set last season,” a jubilant Hyatt told the Jamaica Observer in a post-game interview.

His heroics sent the large crowd at the complex into a frenzy as Arnett Gardens secured all three points and their fifth-consecutive win on the trot to move to the summit of the 12-team standing on 38 points.

Montego Bay United have provisionally been relegated into second position on 37 points with a superior goal difference to Portmore United, who were scheduled to battle Harbour View in the Monday night feature.

Sunday evening’s fixture was always anticipated to be an exciting contest as both teams have developed a fierce rivalry since their championship final clash last season.

The frantic pace to the start of the game was enough to whet the appetite of those in attendance as the ‘Junglists’ dominated the early exchanges, and by extension, the entire first half.

Montego Bay United rarely had a look at goal in the opening 45 minutes as they were busy trying to suppress some furious attacks launched by the hosts.

After signalling early intentions, Arnett Gardens inevitably broke the deadlock when Harris snuck by an oblivious Kemar Drake and cheekily fired past custodian Jacomeno Barrett who was caught of his line.

The Jerome Waite-coached team continued to apply consistent pressure and thought they had a penalty in the 18th minute when Kemal Malcolm was brought down inside the area, but their appeal was ignored by referee Dwight Royal.

But their disappointment turned into celebration four minutes later when Williams, the out-of-favour national defender, popped up to head in a well-taken corner kick from Malcolm. The score remained unchanged at the break thanks to Hyatt who did well to tip Rodney’s 34th-minute header over the crossbar.

However, Rodney won the battle immediately on the resumption when he pulled one back for Montego Bay United courtesy of Hyatt’s complacency.

That goal fired up the former champions and they went on the hunt for the equaliser with a four-man attacking line, but Arnett Gardens defensive unit did well to nullify the assault.

After a lengthy period of end-to-end action, Montego Bay United were offered a grand opportunity to steal a point when the fleet-footed Owayne Gordon was brought down inside the area by Kenniel Hyde one minute from full time.

But Hyatt ensured that the score line remained in his team’s favour this time around following their 2-2 first round stalemate at the Catherine Hall Sports Complex.

Teams:

Arnett Gardens – Damian Hyatt, Oniel Thompson, Dicoy Williams, Jabeur Johnson, Renae Lloyd, Marvin Morgan, Kenniel Hyde, Vishinul Harris (Andrew Phang 68th), Kemal Malcolm (Lennox Russell (87th), Leon Strickland, Michaelos Martin (Neicko Williams 56th).

Subs not used: Peter Harrison, Jamar Martin, Jahmeel Thompson, Newton Sterling

Booked: Hyde (89th)

Montego Bay United – Jacomeno Barrett, Dino Williams, Owayne Gordon, Ronaldo Rodney, Donovan Carey (Cory Hylton 71st), Dwayne Ambusley (Jermaine Woozencroft 56th), Keniel Kirlew, Lesly St Fleur, Kemar Drake, Ladale Richie, Orlando McBayne (Allan Ottey 28th).

Subs not used: Romaine Bowers, John Barrett, Dwayne Holmes, Nicodie Haughton

Booked: Carey (23rd), Richie (37th)

Referee: Dwight Royal

Assistant Referees: Keble Williams, Antonette Williams

Fourth Official: Odette Hamilton

Match Commissary: Anthony Cooke