Arnett spank UWI in RSPL eight-goal fest

A resurgent Arnett Gardens outfit began the New Year on a major high in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) as they registered a 5-3 victory over The University of the West Indies (UWI) FC in a lively encounter at Anthony Spaulding Complex yesterday.

It was a game of two tales as the Junglists went out in a no-nonsense mood to explode into a dazzling 4-0 lead by the end of the first 45 minutes.

However, the second stanza belonged to the university team who came roaring back, but little too late was the cry in the end.

Leon Strickland (7th), Lennox Russell (28th), Newton Sterling (30th), Oniel Thompson (41st) and Marvin Morgan (57th) charted the course for Arnett Gardens.

Substitutes Patrick Brown (60th minute) and Keammar Daley (62nd), along with Davion Garrison (89th) saved face for UWI.

With the win, Arnett Gardens held firm in sixth position in the 12-team standing with 25 points, while UWI FC, despite the loss, also stayed put in third position on 32 points.

After a fairly quiet start, the hosts signalled intentions when a swerving 25-yard left-footed free kick by Sterling just went by the right upright.

UWI responded with useful build-up of their own, but fell asleep in the defensive quarters and were caught on the break as Arnett Gardens raced into the lead.

Fabian Reid and Morgan combined to orchestrate the counter-attack, with the latter sending in an elusive cross which was met at the far post by an unmarked Strickland, who made no mistake from close range.

They could have extended the lead on two occasions, but Sterling's tame shot from deep inside the area was parried by custodian Amal Knight in the 16th minute.

Morgan also muffed his effort seven minutes later when arriving at the far post to a weighted cross from Russell.

But with UWI offering very little resistance, Arnett Gardens went on a procession, led by Russell's beautifully taken left-footed effort on the volley from just inside the 18-yard area.

It became 3-0 two minutes later through Sterling, who delicately chipped a left-footed shot over the head of Knight.

And Captain Oneil Bigga Thompson buried what can only be described as a match-winning 30-yard free kick, driven hard and low, to beat Knight at his near post to leave Arnett sitting pretty at the break.

The momentum stuck with the Jerome Waite-coached Arnett Gardens unit as they wasted little time in extending their lead 12 minutes after the resumption.

Morgan was rewarded for his workman-like performance when Strickland returned the favour and assisted him to easily slot past the advancing Knight in the 57th minute.

It is often said that football is a game of glorious uncertainties, and UWI, after introducing Daley and Brown into the attack, took advantage of the complacent Arnett Gardens team and fired back in clinical fashion.

Brown tapped home a loose ball from close range to put UWI back on the score sheet on the hour mark, before Daley secured a second with a well-taken free kick from 25-yards out, which gave custodian Damian Hyatt no chance.

Arnett Gardens would end the contest with 10 players after Morgan picked up a mild concussion and was unable to finish the game. The team had already reached its quota of three substitutions. UWI utilised the numerical advantage to grab a third, courtesy of Garrison, who headed in a weighted cross from Kemar Flemmings a minute from time.

Teams:

Arnett Gardens— Damian Hyatt, Oniel Thompson, Jamar Martin, Jabeur Johnson, Renae Lloyd, Marvin Morgan, Kenniel Hyde, Fabian Reid, Lennox Russell (Lamar Nelson 70th), Newton Sterling (Neicko Williams 35th), Leon Strickland (Tamar Edwards 75th)

Subs not used: Carlloyd Walters, Jason Moore, Chevaun Crooks, Damari Deacon

Booked: Lloyd (63rd), Edwards (85th)

UWI FC Amal Knight, Rochane Smith, Taniel McKenzie, Kemar Flemmings, Jamie Robinson, Davion Garrison, Ramoun Reid, Deighton Stuart (Patrick Brown 56th), Dawyne Smith (Keammar Daley 56th), Akeem Thenstead (Anthony Greenland 71st), Deno Schaffe

Subs not used: Nicholas King, Kemar Douglas, Kemar Cummings, Jerondy Henry

Booked: Flemmings (45th)

Referee: Dwight Royal

Assistant referees: Keeble Williams, Melvin Reid

Fourth official: Gawane Scott

Match Commissary: Fitzroy Reid

Yesterday's results

Arnett Gardens 5, UWI 3

Tivoli Gardens 1, Maverley-Hughenden 0

Reno 3, Boys Town 0

Jamalco 0, Portmore 1

Montego Bay 2, Waterhouse FC 1
Goals-

Arnett Gardens FC...5 Strickland (7th), Russell (28th), Sterling (30th), Thompson (41st), Morgan (57th) University of the West Indies FC...3 Brown (60th), Daley (62nd), Garrison (89th)
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