JPL sixth place still up for grabs

Sixth place in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) changed hands once again as Tivoli Gardens and Waterhouse experienced unfavourable results in yesterday’s penultimate round of matches.

Waterhouse went down 2-0 to cross-town rivals Arnett Gardens at the Waterhouse Mini Stadium, courtesy of a brace from Shai Smith (82nd and 89th), while Tivoli Gardens surrendered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Chapelton Maroons at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.

The results left both teams tied on 55 points with Tivoli holding the superior goal difference, with one round of games to play, and Waterhouse coach Marcel Gayle knows they no longer have matters in their own hands.

“What is in front of us we can no longer control. It is out of our hands now. We have to do what we have to do, and there’s no holding back.

“We knew that every game before today was a final. We just have to take that mindset and that approach going forward again,” he commented.

Arnett dominated the first half and had the better openings in the first 30 minutes. However, they only had a few half-chances that they failed to make the most of.

Waterhouse had the best opportunity of the half, when Dylan John weaved his way through three opponents to kick-start a counter-attack, which concluded with the former Jamaica College star on the end of a cross from Nicholas Hamilton, but he put his effort over from just inside the box.

Moments later, Rushane Thompson’s curling effort just missed the top corner for Arnett, while Hamilton was just inches away from a ball over the top, with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Waterhouse were much better in the second half. They started the half the livelier of the two teams and Denardo Thomas came close twice in the first five minutes of the period.

However, Arnett were always a threat and only a goal-line block by Ky-Mani Campbell denied Thompson the opener minutes later.

Waterhouse had another great chance in the 58th minute, but Denardo Thomas guided his header over from five yards, while Shamari Dallas also came close, but goalkeeper Jadavin Waul blocked his header at the back post.

Arnett would take the lead when the Waterhouse defence failed to deal with Kimani Arbouine’s low, hard cross, and Smith found himself with the loose ball at the back post and slammed home.

The winger nearly added a second soon after, but goalkeeper Akeem Bernard dug his downward header out of the goal.

Nevertheless, Smith would get his and Arnett’s second after racing through and firing into Bernard’s far post.

“We didn’t execute in front of goal. Arnett got their two chances and put them away. We are still in it. So that is still a positive for now. And we know what to do come the next game,” Gayle added.

Arnett, who stayed two points behind Montego Bay United in third on 73 points, will continue to harbour hopes of finishing second.

“Our objective from the start of the season is to finish in the top two. And we are going to give it our best shot. We are still in with a chance and we just have to take care of business. We just want to make sure we do what we have to do to secure that second spot,” coach Xavier Gilbert said.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Yesterday’s results

Chapelton 2-2 Tivoli Gardens

Dunbeholden 1-0 Portmore

Harbour View 6-0 Vere Phoenix

Montego Bay 1-0 Cavalier

Mount Pleasant 3-0 Molynes

Racing 2-0 Humble Lion

Waterhouse 0-2 Arnett Gardens