Arnett Gardens scored a heart-warming 3-1 win against Harbour View in the final preliminary match of the 2014-15 Red Stripe Premier League campaign at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Sunday.
Goals from Michaelos Martin in the 39th, Jason Moore two minutes later, and Damari Deacon in the 56th secured the points for Arnett Gardens, while Nicholas Beckett rewarded Harbour View for effort with a 75th minute strike.
But while the Arnett Gardens coach Jerome Waite was pleased by the performance of a number of youngsters, who were introduced in the final two matches and scored eight goals, Ludlow Bernard, the Harbour View coach, was very disappointed with the club’s performance this season as it ended outside the top four.
“Well I thought that this year was one of the years that was a blip. A lot of things went wrong during the course of the season and our plan is to correct this situation come next season. We will therefore have to convene and put the necessary measures in place to ensure that Harbour View return to their regular position in the top four of the Red Stripe Premier League,” promised Bernard, who is also a director of the Harbour View Football Club.
Despite playing without a number of their first team starters, Arnett Gardens looked the better team but were held in check by their hosts for much of the first half.
It was a through pass from midfielder Steve Clarke that prised open a well-organised Harbour View defence to let in Martin for the opening goal.
Two minutes on Martin turned helper after finding no room to operate, he served Jason Moore who came charging in to ram the ball past goalkeeper Michaud Barrett.
Harbour View returned from the break with greater purpose, but Damari Deacon hit a third goal with a deft left-footed curling shot to the far post that left Barrett rooted to his spot.
Harbour View drew a free kick on top of the penalty area from where Beckett made no mistake to reduce the deficit .
Teams: Arnett Gardens — Peter Harrison (Renardo Wright 84th), Allando Brown, Shaquille Dyer, Jamar Martin, Jahmeel Thompson, Steve Clarke, Jaron Richards, Cornel Chin-Sue (Oneil Anderson 76th), Michaelos Martin, Damari Deacon (Neicko Williams 63rd), Jason Moore
Subs not used: Marvin Morgan, Kenneil Hyde, Vishunul Harris, Kenarado Smith
Booked: Dyer (83rd)
Harbour View — Michaud Barrett, Jorginho James (Damion Harwood 53rd), Christopher Harvey, Rojay Smith, John-Ross Edwards, Fabian Grant (Damarley Oliver 59th), Daminan Anderson, Nicholas Beckett, Montrose Phinn, Joel Senior (Anthony Marks 76th) Sheldon McKoy
Subs not used: Anthony Greenland, Stephen Barnett, Dane Chambers, Saian Maxwell
Booked: None
Referee: Courtney Campbell
Assistant Referees: Keble Williams, Nicholas Anderon
Fourth Official: Daneon Parchment
Match Commissioner: Martin Lyn
Source: The Jamaica Observer