Dunbeholden FC was held to a 1-1 draw by a struggling Arnett Gardens and missed a glorious

chance of staking a claim in the top-six championship playoffs on Saturday.

St Catherine-based Dunbeholden knew a win against Arnett Gardens would have secured them a spot in the playoffs but they now will have to anxiously wait until their final preliminary round game to book a spot.

The Harold Thomas-coached side with the single point inched up to 15 points but more importantly, they jumped two places to fifth and provisionally into a playoff spot.

Dwayne Smith had given them the lead in the 51st minute firing home from a Rondee Smith pass. However, Arnett Gardens rallied when Shandane Lopez slotted home in the 73rd minute with an assist from Steve Clarke.

The Alex Thomas-coached side that was already out of a playoff spot now has eight points and remained in ninth position. The former champions are yet to beat a Dunbeholden team playing in just their second season of top-flight football.

Dunbeholden will end their preliminary round with a tough match against a Mount Pleasant team also looking to secure their playoff position.

Arnett Gardens will definitely be in the bottom playoff amongst teams ranked 7-11 for final positioning.

Next week, Arnett Gardens will play a Harbour View team sitting in eighth spot on 12 points and still harbouring hopes of making the playoff.