Draw gives desperate Arnett point
HUMBLE Lion secured their first home point of the National Premier League (NPL) season, while Arnett Gardens snapped a three-match losing streak after the teams battled to a 0-0 draw at the Effortville Community Centre on Sunday.
The result left the Clarendon side in mid-table on six points, while Arnett moved out of the relegation zone as they joined Reno and Boys’ Town on four points.
Humble Lion assistant coach Max Straw said although a point was not what they were looking for, it was a step in the right direction.
“We did get a point, so it could be worse and this is our first game without conceding a goal… but we are disappointed that we did not put the ball in the back of the net,” he said.
The hosts started the better of the teams and threatened through a Oneke Ford header and Carlington Smith early on.
However, after 20 minutes Arnett came into their game and Rohan Williams should have hit the target when he was played through on goal.
Minutes later, goalkeeper Philmore Crumbie failed to hold on Arnett’s Newton Sterling’s overhead kick, but Jonathan Williams could not convert the rebound from inside the six-yard area.
As Arnett continued to make inroads into their opponents defence, Sterling had a great chance but his close-range header was blocked by Tyrone Sawyers.
Humble lion’s Wolry Wolfe then had a good chance for the home team in the 38th minute, but he blasted over after he was set up by Smith.
On the stroke of half-time, Williams had another great chance to test Crumbie but again he could not keep his shot down.
After the break, the game grew lacklustre until the introduction of Humble Lion’s Lenworth Hyde Jnr on the hour.
The former Tivoli Gardens playmaker lifted his team’s performance with his penetrative passes and good touches on the ball.
He also came the closest to scoring for his team in the 73rd minute, but his curling effort from the edge of the area just missed the upright.
But Arnett always looked dangerous on the counter and in the 78th minute Kirk Ramsey fired over after a quick counter-attacking move.
The visitors also nearly nipped the three points at the end when Sterling took a high ball inside the box and set up Leon Strickland, whose powerful grounder was parried around the post by Crumbie.
Arnett coach Paul ‘Tegat’ Davis said he was encouraged by his players’ commitment and desire.
“I am pleased with how the guys played, the fighting spirit was there… and if I can take this to the next game, I think we will be on our way,” he said.
