Nodley Wright, Gleaner Writer

Three attempts and one strike were what it took. That was what it took to erase Arnett Gardens' Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) unbeaten record, stop Waterhouse's three-game losing skid and save the job of coach Donovan Duckie.

Troy Reid, Waterhouse undersized midfielder, was the one who provided the strike to give Waterhouse a 3-2 win, their first in four games, improve their points tally to eight and lifted them out of the relegation zone to seventh in the 12-team league.

With both teams locked on 2-2 in the hotly contested Monday Night Football encounter at Waterhouse Mini-Stadium and 10 minutes to play, it appeared as if Arnett would retain their unbeaten run, Waterhouse's winless run would continue and Duckie's job would be under increased pressure.

Reid, whose industry created the first goal for Waterhouse when his cross from the left side struck the arm of William Richards for a penalty, would not be denied. After his first two efforts were blocked, he was lucky on the third attempt, shooting the ball into the low left hand corner of the net.

That goal sent the Waterhouse faithful into rapture and must have had coach Duckie breathing a sigh of relief at the stay of execution granted.

Reid's approach was symptomatic of his teammates, who would not be denied. This attitude was referred to by assistant coach, Junior Francis, at the end of the game.

"The players decided that they wanted it most of all," Francis said of what spurred his team on to victory.

Francis added that leading up to the game, under the instructions of the coach, they practised playing a high line in order to keep the action in Arnett Gardens' half, which they did successfully on the night.

For Arnett Gardens' Paul 'Tegat' Davis, the simple reason for his team losing was that they were outscored.

What went wrong

"They scored three and we scored two, that is what went wrong," Davis stated with a straight face.

The loss, which saw Arnett Gardens remain in third spot on 13 points, was not viewed by Davis as a setback.

"It is not really a setback. You have to lose some to see where you are and what you need to do," added Davis, choosing to look on the positive side.

The game, while being very physical, intense and competitive, was not the most beautiful, as neither team gave an inch as artistry took a back seat.

Despite that, Jermaine Anderson, who opened the scoring for Waterhouse in the 38th minute from the penalty spot, converted his second in time added at the end of the first half, from a well-worked move and beautifully measured cross from Jameel Thompson.

Lamar Nelson did not show much from open play, but his penalty on the stroke of half-time was well taken. For sheer beauty, Vishunil Harris' strike in the 49th minute, which brought both teams level, was the best goal of the night.

For sheer determination, though, Reid's finish took the cake and won the night for Waterhouse.

seventh round Red Stripe Premier League matches:

Monday Night Game

Waterhouse 3 Arnett Gardens 2 at Waterhouse Mini-Stadium

GOALS: Waterhouse - Jermaine Anderson 38', 45+2', Troy Reid 80th; Arnett - Lamar Nelson 45th, Vishinul Harris 49th

Sunday's Games

Sporting Central 3 Savannah 0 at Brancourt

GOALS: Sporting Central - LeVaughn Williams 58th, François Swaby 69th, Keith Kelly 82nd

Highgate United 0 Humble Lion 3 at Drax Hall

GOALS: Humble Lion - Jermaine Christian 49th, Omando McLeod 79th, Denzil Watson 90+2 Cavalier 0 Montego Bay United 2 at Stadium East

GOALS: MoBay United - Omar Gordon 77th, Lesly St. Fleur 90+4

Boys' Town 2 Tivoli Gardens 0 at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex

GOALS: Boys' Town - Rafiek Thomas 29th, Khalil Johnson 80th

Portmore United 0 Harbour View 1 at Ferdie Neita Park

GOAL: Harbour View - Kemeel Wolfe 20th

Standings

Today's Game (rescheduled)

6 p.m. Savannah vs Humble Lion at Frome Sports Complex