New Arnett Gardens head coach, Paul ‘Tegat’ Davis, in his first game in charge did not get the win he wanted, but was nonetheless happy with the 0-0 draw against bottom-of-the-table St Georges SC in their Digicel Premier League match at the Tony Spaulding Complex on Sunday.

Though he was successful in avoiding defeat and was grateful for the point, the former national striker lamented the physical conditioning of his new charges.

“…This team does not have enough condition and I need to get to know the players so I can adjust the team,” he said.

Meanwhile, the home team controlled the tempo for most of the first half with Leon Strickland missing a sitter for the host early in the game. Shortly afterwards, Rasheede Clarke then missed from just inside the penalty box with only St Georges goalkeeper Ralston Robinson at his mercy.

In the second half, the home team continued to have the better of play and Kevin Wilson almost gave them the lead, but his downward volley from inside the area was helped onto the bar and over by a defender.

St Georges eventually got a grip on the game when national defender, Jermaine Taylor, was brought on in an attacking midfield role on the hour.

For the ensuing 10 minutes, Arnett were forced on the defensive as Taylor spearheaded his team’s quest for a goal.

However, Arnett eventually regained control of the midfield for the last 15 minutes, but against the run of play, St Georges nearly stole all three points at the death.

With three minutes remaining, Leon Irvings’ deft pass found Damion Harwood unmarked on the penalty spot, but he hesitated and was blocked by goalkeeper Julian McLeish in the Arnett goal.

Two minutes later, Harwood slipped a ball to Romeo Parkes in a similar position, but again McLeish was quick off his line to deny the former Under-20 forward.

TEAMS:

Arnett — Julian McLeish, William Richards, Gerald Neil, Rasheede Clarke, Daniel Shaw, Rohan Reid, Marvin Stewart (Newton Sterling 56th), Ricardo Smith, Ryan Powell, Leon Strickland, Kevin Wilson (Dennis McKinley 90th).

Subs not used: F Dawkins, N Anderson, V Manning, R Stern, M Evans

Booked: None

St Georges —Ralston Robinson, Donovan Davis (Romeo Parkes 46th), Damion Harwood (Delroy James 87th), Dwayne Holmes, Ushane Dobson, Ronike Anderson, Andrae Thomas, Leon Irving, Nigel Reid (Jermaine Taylor 59th), Richardo Watson, Bobby-Joe Huie.

Subs not used: M Jackson, R Rodney, O Davis, Randal Huie

Booked: None

Referee: Dwight Royal

Assistants: Antoinette Williams & Lloyd Reader

Fourth Official: Oneal Clayton

Match Commissary: Elaine Walker-Brown