Dixon shines as Arnett grab third place in JPL
Published:Monday | May 20, 2024 | 12:08 AM
Two goals and an assist from Kaheim Dixon helped Arnett Gardens to an impressive 5-1 win over rivals Waterhouse in their Jamaica Premier League (JPL) third-place playoff match at the National Stadium yesterday. Arnett’s third-place finish sealed a place in the Concacaf Caribbean Shield for the ‘Junglists’.
The 19 year-old Dixon, who ended his first JPL season with six goals, put Arnett 2-1 up two minutes into the second half after Jaheim Dorman cancelled out Shai Smith 15th- minute opener.
Fabian Reid made it 3-1 after 52 minutes before Dixon set up Smith to make it 4-1 in the 67th minute.
Dixon then sealed the win with a fifth goal in the 90th minute.
Arnett’s coach, Xavier Gilbert, admitted that they were extremely elated to make it to the regional tournament. He also had high praise for his young goalscorer, Dixon.
“It was a good season for us. Finishing third and qualifying for the Caribbean championship (Shield), which was on our agenda. So I am happy with how the players acquitted themselves throughout the season,” Gilbert commented.
He added also that it is no surprise Dixon has performed well in his first season.
“Look at his work rate, his mentality, and how positive he is as a striker. He is a businessman going to goal, and that is what he is about,” Gilbert said.
Dixon did not think he showed the public his full potential this season but said that it was a satisfying campaign nonetheless.
“I believe my performance this afternoon was superb. I told the lads that we would play in the Caribbean, and I delivered today.
“I feel good in myself that I can contribute although it’s a team game and a team effort. So hats off to the lads.
“My target was to score six or more goals, and I delivered that. My first season in the Premier League was not that good, but I am working on it,” he said.
Waterhouse head coach Marcel Gayle said it was a less than convincing second half defensive display from his team.
“It is not the type of performance you want. But credit to the guys. They held their nerve throughout the season. We wanted to go out with a bang, but unfortunately, we couldn’t control it (the game) in the end,” he said.