Arnett end Maroons’ unbeaten run

Arnett Gardens ended Chapelton Maroons’ perfect start to the Jamaica Premier League (JPL), handing the Clarendon team their first defeat and knocking them off the top of the standings yesterday.

Roderick Granville got the game’s only goal in the 57th minute to give Arnett a second straight win and their first clean sheet of the season, after conceding 10 goals in their first three games.

Coach Philip Williams said they are finding their form.

“We came with a game plan,” said Williams. “We knew it is a small field, and we also knew they attack in numbers and we would have to play in transition, and we executed well.

“The team is running into form. The players who arrived late are getting fit, and the results are there to show that we are getting better.”

After conceding five goals in their first game, three in their second and two in their third, Williams was especially pleased with their defensive display.

“The improvement in defence is very important. We did a lot of work on that and it’s good to see that the defensive unit kept a clean sheet, and I believe that will do well for their confidence.

Arnett had the first chance after five minutes, after Fabian Reid played Rushike Kelson behind the Chapelton defence, but former Arnett goalkeeper Prince-Daniel Smith was quick off his line to deny the chance.

Although Arnett were more in control, neither team really stamped their authority and the game went to and fro without much being created.

Chapelton’s best chance of the half fell to Levaughn Williams in the 35th minute, but he decided not to shoot from a tight angle.

Arnett continued to control the game after the break and gradually gained the ascendancy. They eventually took the lead, after Ricardo Thomas broke down the right and crossed to Kelson at the near post. Kelson then crossed to Reid, who got the ball to Granville at the back post and he powered home from six yards.

“The performance today was lacklustre. We started flat and it was evident from midweek. Tactically, we set some objectives and we carried out those objectives, but I think we fell down psychologically.

Chapelton (nine points) slipped to second on goal difference behind Racing, who took top spot after a 4-2 win over Treasure Beach.

Win Portmore United

Meanwhile at Drax Hall, in a game played in scorching heat, Portmore United clipped Spanish Town Police FC 1-0, their fourth defeat this season.

Portmore United FC head coach Rudolph Austin said substitute Orlando Russell, who scored in the 69th minute, positively impacted the game to secure their second win.

“We always have the discussion that the match winner can come off the bench,” said Russell, noting the win moves the team in the right direction.

Austin suggested that Russell’s performance could earn him more playing time.

“Definitely, as a coach you want to reward your players. He has been very disciplined and works hard in training,” said Austin.

This win keeps Portmore fourth in the standings on seven points.

Meanwhile, coach of Spanish Town Police William Spencer said they have been giving up some soft goals.

“We start well, but then we give up soft goals between the 70th and 90th minutes,” Spencer said.

Yesterday’s results

Spanish Town Police 0-1 Portmore

Arnett Gardens 1-0 Chapelton

Treasure Beach 2-4 Racing United

Mount Pleasant 2-1 Cavalier

Today’s games

5 p.m: Molynes vs Dunbeholden

7:30 p.m. Waterhouse vs Harbour View