Arnett Gardens seized the spotlight on Monday night as they clipped a rampant Montego Bay United 1-0 in a pulsating Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) clash at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.
Joel Jones’ seventh-minute header proved decisive in a contest that was filled with energy, skill, and high stakes, as the two teams entered the match level on points, separated only by goal difference.
However, Jones’ all-important strike not only snapped Montego Bay United's six-match unbeaten streak but also saw Arnett Gardens extend their own unbeaten run to four games and sole possession of second place on 37 points.
The “Junglists” are now three points adrift of league leaders Mount Pleasant FA, whom they will face on Sunday. Montego Bay United dropped to third with 34 points, while Cavalier (31 points), Portmore United (27 points), and Waterhouse (27 points) round out the top six.
Winning coach Xavier Gilbert expressed delight with the outcome.
“I am happy that we got three points and took over the second place for ourselves. The message to the guys throughout was to ensure that we don’t concede and manage the game, and I think we did that well for a period, but there were times when we weren’t at our best.
“We knew it was going to be tough because we have players playing in unfamiliar positions, and we know it is going to take time for them to adjust, but we have to trust the process and ensure that we continue this push,” Gilbert said post-match.
Arnett Gardens drew first blood in the early exchanges when Jones rose majestically to meet Jamone Shepherd’s pinpoint corner kick for his second goal of the season, which set the tone for a thrilling encounter.
Montego Bay United almost pulled level in the 20th minute when Brian Brown unleashed a firm right-footed strike, but Arnett’s goalkeeper Roje Williams dived low to his right to block the effort.
The hosts responded immediately, with Shai Smith delivering a delightful cross to Rushike Kelson, who controlled brilliantly on his chest before firing a left-footed shot. The attempt had Trinidadian goalkeeper Aaron Enill beaten but ricocheted off the upright.
Smith continued to trouble Montego Bay’s defence and came close again in the 24th minute. The lanky player got on the end of Fabian Reid’s long pass and unleashed a ferocious left-footed drive, only for Enill to produce an acrobatic save to tip the ball over the bar.
Montego Bay United had their own chances, as Daniel Reid breached Arnett’s defence moments later, but Williams proved equal to the task with another fine save.
Montego Bay United showed renewed urgency on the resumption and again went close a few minutes in when Jourdaine Fletcher tested Williams with a shot from outside the box, but the Arnett custodian remained solid.
Both teams continued to show good attacking intent in end-to-end action, but the game’s defining moment came in the 70th minute when Montego Bay United were awarded a penalty after a handball inside the area.
Captain Owayne Gordon stepped up to take the spot kick, but Williams guessed correctly, diving to his right to make a stunning save. The drama didn’t end there, as Shamour Smith’s follow-up effort was also denied by Williams.
Montego Bay United’s relentless probe for the elusive equalizer also saw Darnell Hospedales test Williams at his near post and Lucas Lima firing just over the crossbar from distance. However, Arnett Gardens’ defence held firm, supported by Williams, whose exceptional performance between the sticks solidified his status as the hero of the night.
Argentine coach Rodolfo Zapata felt his team did enough to secure at least a point, as he took heart from the performance.
“It was an exciting game. I think we deserved a draw, but that’s just how football is; we tried different tactics in the same game but we couldn’t penetrate. But it was a good game and that’s what I expect from big clubs... they should entertain, so our supporters should be very proud of our players and the attitude they showed,” Zapata noted.