Arnett wasteful but still clip coach-less Benfica

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

Arnett Gardens continued their unbeaten home run in the second round of the Digicel Premier League, as they got the better of the coach-less Benfica 1-0 at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex last night.

The Junglists secured victory courtesy of a 51st-minute strike from Fabian Reid, his first league goal.

Victory saw Arnett leapfrogging their opponents in the 12-team table as they moved up to seventh with 25 points.

Benfica, who lost the services of their coach, Vannie Clarke, and assistant Conroy Brown coming into the game, looked a rugged unit and Arnett could have raced into a five-goal lead within the opening 15 minutes had they been more clinical in front of goal.

Unchallenged

One of the five early scoring opportunities fell to James Durrant in the 12th minute, but he placed his unchallenged header wide from six yards out.

Benfica got more involved in the match as the half wore on, but failed to trouble Arnett Gardens' custodian, Maurice Evans.

Arnett got another glorious opportunity to take the lead in the 25th minute when a cross from the right flank by Marvin Stewart found an unmarked Dennis McKenley in the area, but he placed his half-volley wide.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 51st minute when Reid collected a pass from Leon Strickland just outside the 18-yard box. Instead of taking on the defenders, he opted for a snap shot which caught the Benfica keeper, Donovan Hynes, flat-footed and crept in at the far post.

In spite of taking the lead, the home team continued in their attacking vein and came close to doubling their lead in the 74th minute when Kirk Ramsey headed inches wide.

Irrespective of the win, Arnett's coach, Paul 'Tegat' Davis, was left feeling disappointed in his team's performance.

"They (Arnett) played poor, very poor," Davis bemoaned. "I am disappointed, you can't be playing good football, having so many chances and only come out with 1-0 and put a team like Benfica who wasn't up to scratch back in the game."

Benfica's president, Tyron Rose, praised his team, which stayed on 24 points.

"I think Benfica performed creditably well. If you look at the number of issues we have on and off the field, I must give credit to the players," Rose stated.

He also held the view that the absence of a coach on the sidelines did not affect the team.

"As professionals, you are supposed to operate with or without a coach on the sideline shouting instructions at you."