IT did not take very long, following the departure of Arnett Gardens hitman Renaldo Cephas, for another player from the club to step up to take his place in the hunt for the Golden Boot in the Jamaica Premier League.

Cephas, who left the island last weekend to take up an opportunity in Europe, was on ten goals at the time he went overseas. But almost as soon as he left Marlon Allen answered the call as a likely successor in that race.

The striker hit a brace against Waterhouse, who have the meanest defence in the league, to increase his tally to nine goals as his team came from behind twice to win 4-2.

Both of Allen’s goals came from close range and he said that it all stemmed from the work done in training.

“I am always prepared for the rebound from the goalkeeper. I am always there to finish.

“My coach has been talking to me about it in training, so I have been doing it in training. He always tells me to follow up the shot and if there is a rebound, finish. I do it in training a lot; I am consistently doing it. Most of my goals are like that,” he revealed.

There have been quite a few braces scored in the league this season but no one has yet been able to snag a hat-trick. Allen was left disappointed that he was not the first.

“I feel wonderful. I wanted to get the hat-trick but, unfortunately, it didn’t happen. But the team came out victorious and I am glad for the victory.”

Allen said that he and his teammates had discussed losing their leading scorer at the business end of the season.

“In training we were talking about Cephas. We lost one of our great players, a great pace in the team, but he is gone so I have to step up and be the next man in the team.We did it and I am glad for the three points.”

With nine goals now and three behind the league leader Daniel Green of Mount Pleasant FA, Allen believes he is in with a shot of snagging the coveted goalscorer’s title.

“I am working hard for the Golden Boot; I feel like I can get the Golden Boot. In the next match I feel like I can score two or three,” he said confidently.

Allen believes that Arnett Gardens can get the better of their quarter-final opponents Harbour View, who they will meet in the first leg on Monday.

“We are very confident. We are confident enough. We are going to settle and push forward and get it done. Coach is pushing me hard so I am working on it,” he proclaimed.

The teams will meet in the first leg on Monday at Sabina Park, with the return leg set for Thursday at the same venue.