Arnett’s Clarke pushing for Under-20 spot
Published:Tuesday | September 16, 2014 | 12:00 AMNodley Wright
One of the brightest things about Monday night's Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) football clash at Stadium East between former champions Arnett Gardens and Rivoli United was the performance of young attacker, Steve Clarke.
The 19-year-old had a huge hand in Arnett Gardens' 2-2 draw with the plucky Rivoli United. His pressure forced a defender to head into his own net in the 21st minute, before Daniel Roberts equalised in the 28th minute.
Clarke then slotted home in the 45th +1 minute to give Arnett a lead they should have maintained, before Cory Burke capitalised on sloppiness in the Junglists' team to give the visitors a share of the points.
happy
Arnett Gardens improved their standing to second position on four points, while Rivoli remained in sixth position on two.
Clarke, the son of a former Arnett Gardens defender who has the same name, was playing his second RSPL game and was happy with his performance.
"This is my first year in the Premier League, and my first home game, and I have scored, so I am really, really, happy," he said after the game, flashing a bright smile.
The former Donald Quarrie High school representative, who has come up through the Arnett Gardens youth ranks and last season represented the club?s Under-20 team, said he had to reward the faith of the coach.
"I am one of 10 players that coach Waite has brought up from the Under-20 team, and he gave me a chance in the senior team, so I had to go out there and do the job, and I am happy with my performance.
"I expect more goals to come because I work hard, and I know that with my hard work and belief in God it will happen,? said the player, who has dreams of breaking into the country's Under-20 set up.
If the goals continue to flow as he expects, Clarke is confident that he will be given an opportunity.
"I would love to represent my country. Ever since I was a youngster growing up, I had always wanted to represent my country. It would be a great thing if I get the opportunity to play with the Under-20s, and I guess I just have to continue scoring and the hard work will pay off", he stated.