Arnett Gardens FC moved closer to confirming their top-six place in the 2016-2017 Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) after defeating relegation-threatened Maverley-Hughenden FC 3-0 at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Sunday.

Arnett Gardens FC moved closer to confirming their top-six place in the 2016-2017 Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) after defeating relegation-threatened Maverley-Hughenden FC 3-0 at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Sunday.

Vishinul Harris, who returned to the Arnett Gardens line-up for the first time in more than 10 months due to an injury lay-off, laid the foundation for an emphatic win with the opening goal in the 14th minute.

An own goal conceded by Maverley-Hughenden’s Kasai Hinds in the 47th and Oneil Anderson (86th) secured the points for Arnett Gardens.

While victory for Arnett Gardens lifted them closer to a chance at a semi-final play-off, defeat cast a shadow of despairing uncertainty over whether Maverley-Hughenden FC will remain in the RSPL for another season.

Although playing with great spirit, Maverley gave up a first-half goal to their hosts.

They redoubled their efforts in the second session to repair the damage, but fell further behind two minutes after the restart.

Arnett Gardens fielded a virtual second string team to give leading players a rest. However, it was one of the better performances of the season by the Arnett Gardens.

The former many-time RSPL champions should have been two goals to the good by the half-hour mark, but Maverley held on stubbornly to keep the score to 0-1.

In the first half, Arnett Gardens won a penalty. However, Harris, the man of the moment, could not finish at the 31st-minute mark. Maverley, in their pursuit for survival, saw their goalkeeper Jovell Plunkett threw them a lifeline by saving the spot kick.

Maverley made two changes at the break. Phillip Peddie went in for Jamoy Sibbles and Wayne Williams for Nackwayne Parchment to add depth and a cutting edge to their attacking thrust. But disaster soon struck as the normally reliable defender Kasai Hinds was seen redirecting a Marcelino Blackburn shot into his own net.

Substitiute Anderson scored his first goal for the club when he sealed the issue four minutes from time. It was the third time that Anderson got a chance to play for Arnett — and each time the team has won.

Arnett Gardens – Omarley Francis, Jabeur Johnson, Ranike Anderson, Marvin Morgan (Oneil Anderson 81st), Steve Clarke, Fabian Reid (Jarmar Johnson 70th), Jovan Abou, Tamar Edwards, Marcellino Blackburn, Vishinul Harris (Jason Moore 74th), Jamar Martin

Subs not used: Damian Hyatt, Oneil Thompson, Renae Lloyd, Kemal Malcolm

Booked: Morgan 43rd, Harris 53rd, Edwards 72nd

Maverley/Hughenden – Jovell Plunkett, Denardo Thomas, Troy Moulton, Raymond Williamson, Odane Samuels, Kasai Hinds, Rodico Wellington, Andrew White, Akeem Brown (Andrew Peddlar 81st), Jamoy Sibbles (Phillip Peddie 46th), Nackwayne Parchment (Wayne Williams 46th)

Subs not used: George Brown, Narado Brown, Hamari Dyer, Robert Williams

Booked: Parchment 32nd, Wellington 43rd, Moulton 47th, Andrew White 65th, Peddlar 83rd, Williamson 90+1

Referee: Daneon Parchment

Assistant Referees: Nicholas Anderson, Jassett Kerr

Fourth Official: Weston Costley