Arnett Gardens, Portmore United draw first leg quarter-final JPL encounter
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A late fightback from Arnett Gardens was enough to give them a 1-1 draw against Portmore United in their first-leg quarter-final encounter of the Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League Playoffs at Sabina Park on Monday night.
In the 6th minute, Reggae Boy Alex Marshall almost put Portmore in front with a powerful strike but it came crashing off the crossbar.
Portmore would hit the woodwork again on the half-hour mark as Stephen Barnett’s close-range strike found the far post. However, they finally made the breakthrough in the 41st minute as Philando Wing turned the ball into his own net.
Arnett found new life in the second half with several goal attempts. Past the 70-minute mark, Captain Fabian Reid had two great efforts to equalize but was denied twice by Williams. However, Reid wouldn’t be denied a third time as he slotted home from close range to pull Arnett level in the 81st minute.
Portmore almost regained the league a few minutes later through Chevaughn Walsh but goalkeeper Eric Edwards was able to palm away his long-range effort.
In the first minute of stoppage time, Jamone Shepherd had a long-range effort of his own but Williams was able to keep it out to end the match in a stalemate.
Both teams will look to qualify for the semifinals when they meet in the second leg at Sabina Park next Monday.