Arnett held by Dunbeholden in Gilbert’s absence
ASSISTANT coach of Arnett Gardens FC, Fabian Taylor believes the absence of Xavier Gilbert from the team’s bench played a role in their goalless draw with Dunbeholden FC for their opening match of the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) on Monday evening at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.
The “Junglists” were unable to break down the Portmore-based club despite a few chances, including from Rushike Nelson who fired wide in the opening 15 minutes after Marlon Martin forced Damion Hyatt into a smart save.
Gilbert, who was named Arnett boss in August, is currently in Panama as he prepares to coach the Reggae Girlz for the Concacaf World Cup Gold Cup Qualifiers.
Taylor says the team should have got three points, regardless of Gilbert’s presence.
“Coach Gilbert left us the blueprint and we worked with it. Probably it would have made a difference if he was here because you know players tend to go with the head coaches and do a little bit more when he’s around, but nevertheless we did well enough to win the game but just didn’t,” he said.
“We had the better of the first half; we created a number of chances that we should have scored but, it’s the first game. [There were] nerves — the community is very tough on these players and it’s a lot of new players and the coaching staff is new — so it takes time to adapt to what we’re bringing.”
Meanwhile, in his first game in charge of Dunbeholden, Head Coach Lenworth Hyde wanted a better technical showing from his team.
“I’m pleased with the result but frustrated with how we played. We didn’t have a lovely first half [but in] the second half we came into our own. Physically we’re okay but we just have try and maintain the fitness, then we will work on the ball touches and the technical part of it [because] we turned over the ball too many times,” said Hyde.
Match week two of the the Wray & Nephew JPL continues on Sunday, October 29 with five matches. Cavalier and Harbour View will remain inactive due to their participation in the semi-finals of the Concacaf Caribbean Cup.
