AFTER losing two points in the boardroom last week, Boys’ Town returned positively in their National Premier League (NPL) fixture against rivals Arnett Gardens at the Tony Spaulding Complex yesterday.

A brace in space of two minutes from Jermaine Allen saw the Andrew Price-coached team to a 2-1 win and their first victory of the season to move to four points.

“We are the type of club that challenge adversity and I know the lads would step up to the challenge today… the first 20 minutes were well executed, and although we were inconsistent throughout the remainder of the game, we showed character and fought,” he said.

The visitors dominated the early proceedings and wasted a great chance to take the lead when Renae Lloyd failed to take advantage after Boys’ Town were awarded a penalty seven minutes into the contest.

However, it was no surprise when former Tivoli frontman, Allen, fired Boys’ Town ahead minutes later.

And before the crowd had settled down, the former Tivoli Manning Cup star latched on to a ball on the edge of the area and drove a low shot past Damion Hyatt to increase his team’s advantage.

Arnett started to come into their own afterwards and goalkeeper Kirk Porter had to be at his best to tip Kirk Ramsey’s vicious shot for a corner.

Minutes later, Errol Steven almost pulled one back for the hosts but his low shot hit the base of the post before going out.

Two minutes after the break, Boys’ Town came close again, but Hyatt pulled off an excellent save to deny Michael Campbell from 12 yards.

As the game became more open, Boys’ Town, led by Oneil Thompson and Nicholas McMorris, defended stout-heartedly.

Arnett’s best chance to grab a goal from open play fell to striker Newton Sterling, but Porter went full stretch to parry the forward’s close-range lob.

Arnett did get a goal back in time added when they were awarded a penalty, which Ramsey converted.

After losing three games on the trot, Arnett coach Paul ‘Tegat’ Davis, bemoaned his team’s shortage of effort.

“I think we are playing half-hearted, if the guys can put in some more effort in the games we can get some victories,” he said.