Arnett Gardens FC defeated Humble Lion 2-1 to register the lone win by a home team in the opening round of the 2018/19 Red Stripe Premier League season at the Anthony Spaulding Sport Complex on Sunday.

But it took a desperate clearance off the goal line by defender Ranike Anderson in the final minutes of play and goals from Vishinal Harris and Jovani Simms in the second and 76th minutes, respectively to secure the narrow win for the five-time champions.

Craig Foster narrowed the victory margin for Humble Lion from the penalty spot in minute 43.

Winning coach Jerome Waite was pleased with the result.

“This was a very good result for the Arnett Gardens team, but well tried, Humble Lion. You are aware that Arnett Gardens are one of those teams that always ensure that they stay in front as early as the season starts.

“Looking at today’s game the final result is not a true reflection of the game. But be that as it may, it is a very encouraging sign for team spirit when the players can dig deep so early in the season and come away with a good win after wasting so many chances. Humble Lion could say they should have left the field with a point, but for that hair-raising clearance off the goal line by Ranike Anderson, it could have resulted in a draw. But even so, it was a good win for Arnett Gardens as it showed the resilient nature of the young team,” Waite observed.

Arnett Gardens sported a number of new faces and Waite was happy with their adaptation: “They blended in creditably well and that is what you always ask new players to do. It is a new system for them and it is for them to understand their roles and function and apply themselves tactically.”

The match started promptly and before Humble Lion could bat an eyelid, Arnett Gardens had pounced.

With two minutes remaining in the half, Ricardo Oldham was adjudged by referee Karl Tyrell to have handled the ball in the penalty area and this resulted in a free-kick for Humble Lion. Last season’s leading marksman Foster levelled the score.

Arnett Gardens brought on Damari Deacon in place of the injured Steve Clarke and instantly the diminutive, nimble-footed Deacon unsettled Humble Lion’s left side, resulting in Simms’ deciding goal.

New Humble Lion coach Glendon “Admiral” Bailey noted that the present set-up of three midfield players is inadequate at the moment and changes will have to be made.

“As you are aware it is one week now since I took over the team, so I am still in a learning process in getting to know the players. I know them but coaching them and watching them play is a different thing.

“From what I have noticed there is a number of adjustments to be made and these will be introduced for the next game. Number one we cannot play this type of formation with lack of fitness in the team at this time.

“Number two, I think that the quality of personnel we have in this team and its quality we definitely have to be playing more personnel in the midfield than three.

“These are the changes that I am going to make effective come the next training session,” Bailey outlined.

Arnett Gardens FC – Damian Hyatt, Ramone McGregor, Jabeur Johnson, Ranike Anderson, Kemar Phillpott (Tamar Edwards 85th), Rickardo Oldham, Marvin Morgan, Vishinul Harris, Jovani Simms (Henrico Ricketts 86th), Fabian Reid, Steve Clarke (Damari Deacon 70th)

Subs not used: Mikhail Harrison, Lamard Neil, Jamar Martin, Kimani Arbouine

Booked: Harris (36th)

Humble Lion FC – Damion Crooks, Hugh Howell, Kevon Reid, Fabian Poscoe, Hughan Gray, Afiba Chambers (Andrew Vanzie 70th), Michael Binns (Francois Swaby 79th), Cory Hylton (Seigel Knight 70th), Rohan Richards, Shevaughn Robb, Craig Foster

Subs not used: Jovel Plunkett, Wolry Wolf, Leonardo Bibbison, Oneil Thompson

Booked: Robb (25th), Vanzie (81st)

Referee: Karl Tyrell

Assistant Referees: Jermaine Yee-Sing, Damian Williams

Fourth Official: Steffan Dewar

Match Commissioner: Elaine Walker-Brown