Arnett, Montego Bay look to build on positive results
Published:Saturday | February 19, 2022 | 12:10 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Arnett Gardens and Montego Bay United head into their Jamaica Premier League (JPL) fixture this afternoon looking to build on the results they achieved last weekend.
The two teams meet in the feature game at 3:15 p.m. at the UWI-JFF Captain Horace Burrell Centre of Excellence after Cavalier face Vere in the opening game of the double-header at 1 p.m.
Last weekend Arnett Gardens clipped Humble Lion 2-1 for their second win in five matches while Montego Bay United held Tivoli to a 1-1 draw for only their second positive result in five outings this season.
Arnett climbed to fifth in the standings with eight points, while Montego Bay, with only a win and a draw, are ninth in the 12-team standings with four points.
Arnett Gardens’ assistant coach, Eric Rademakers, noted they have led in most of their games, only to be pegged back late in those games.
He said the team saw the defensive adjustments they worked on come to fruition last week, and now the aim is better manage games when they are in front.
“For the Humble Lion game, we worked a lot on our defensive structure and I thought we had a real good game,” he said.
“The other thing we want to improve upon now is game management. When we take a two-goal lead, we want to be comfortable up until the final whistle.
“I think it is something to improve on but defensively we did do better last game,” he pointed out.
EXPECTING AN INTENSE MATCH
Although the Dutchman is expecting three points from the league’s strugglers, he anticipates a very intense and physical match from the Montegonians.
“We are expecting a lot of long passes and they have speed up front, so we will try to counter that and dominate the game,” he said.
“The last match we got two goals, and we want to score more goals,” he added.
His counterpart, Dwayne Ambusley, recalled his playing days when the Arnett-Montego Bay fixture was one of the most competitive local rivalries, but he admitted the matchup now is not what it used to be.
Ambusley said they are, however, prepared for today’s contest. “This will be our sixth game of the season. Each game we are making progress. Sometimes a bit too slow for my liking but this is a very young group (of players), who are inexperienced in the competition. We have to accept that and try to keep improving each game,” he said.
“Playing against Arnett Gardens is a big game. The rivalry is not what it used to be, plus there will be no fans and the game will be played at a neutral venue.
“But we are optimistic that we can give a good display,” he stated
Arnett Gardens can go up to third today if they beat Montego Bay and Cavalier fail to win their match against Vere.
Mount Pleasant lead the JPL standings with 13 points, followed by Waterhouse on 12, Dunbeholden 10, Cavalier nine, Arnett Gardens eight and Harbour View and Portmore on five points.