Jerome Waite, the head coach of Arnett Gardens Football Club, did not hide his disappointment after his team “gave away” their Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) second-leg semi-final game, while his counterpart Paul Davis had “no doubt” Montego Bay United would have won.

As a result a new champion will be crowned in the RSPL after defending champions Arnett Gardens drew 2-2 with Montego Bay United and lost 3-4 on aggregate.

“It was a game that we gave away. We continue to give up soft goals and we have to work overtime to score a goal. We lapsed in all aspects. The offensive team didn’t do much; the midfielders still need to improve and the defensive unit pretty much, was what was holding the team right through,” Waite pointed out.

“But overall we created clear-cut chances we should have converted to ensure that the game becomes easier for the defensive unit. On the other hand, their fire-power was nullified, but their substitutions made a difference and converted from our poor concentration in defence in the extra time period,” he noted.

Montego Bay United came into the second leg of the semi-final tie with a 2-1 advantage after a glaring goalkeeping error from the Arnett Gardens custodian gifted them a crucial lead in the first leg in Montego Bay. They went further ahead courtesy of a Cory Hylton goal on the stroke of half-time. With a two-goal advantage and less than 10 minutes remaining, Arnett Gardens got a lifeline as Kemal Malcolm converted from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute. Then with basically the last kick of the game, Vishinul Harris fired home in the 90th+5 minute, giving Arnett Gardens a 2-1 victory and levelling the aggregate score at 3-3.

Extra time was needed and substitute Kashief Brown capitalised on poor defending once again and slotted home in the 113th minute, sending Montego Bay United into their third consecutive final set for May 2 at the National Stadium.

“After being down and picking up the pieces, we stepped up on the intensity and the momentum was with us after we got back that first goal and that led to a second goal in time added on. In extra time, we still had the better of play and to see that lapse in the concentration of the defensive unit and that eventually gave up the game. It was a situation of looking towards penalties and we gave up that goal,” said Waite.

Meanwhile, it was sweet revenge for Montego Bay United as they lost their title 0-2 to Arnett Gardens last year and coach ‘Tegat’ Davis said his team was prepared for everything Arnett Gardens threw at them.

“It was a very good game. We expected what we got last night with the whole atmosphere with the spectators and with them throwing all their fire-power at us. But we know we had to sit back a little and when we get the football we make play and slow down the game,” he said.

“When we lost the game to them (1-3 on March 27), people had them as the team to win the premier league and if we can find this momentum, then there is no way we cannot win this one,” said Davis.

Davis, a prolific striker in his playing days for Seba (now Montego Bay United) said this thrilling and intense rivalry between Montego Bay and Arnett brings back memories.

“It was always from my playing days Seba against Arnett Gardens and it was never an easy game home and away. It looked like a replay from my time till now. But I didn’t have any doubt about the outcome of the game as I reflected on the past with us and them,” he noted.

Davis, who had a coaching stint at Arnett Gardens, now has his eyes firmly fixed on winning his first premier league title as a coach.

“It would be good. It would be my first title I have never been to a premier league final before as coach and every coach, who coaches in the premier league, wants to win the title. It would be great for me and my resume,” said Davis.