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Hyde redeems self with goal in Red Stripe Premier League

Published:Tuesday | March 17, 2015 | 3:58 PMNodley Wright
Ricardo Makyn
Arnett's Kenneil Hyde (left) congratulating Leon Strickland for against Cavalier in a Red Stripe Premier League football match at the Stadium East earlier this season. On Sunday it was Strickland's turn to congratulate Hyde, for scoring in their 2-1 win over Reno.

Defender Keneil Hyde rediscovered some of the qualities of his youth to help confirm leaders Arnett Gardens' place in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) semi-final, as he opened the scoring in their 2-1 win over Reno.

The player, who made his name as an attacker at the youth level where he played midfield/forward for Calabar High and forward for Meadhaven United, was at his clinical best on Monday night at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.

Following the play forward, Hyde moved well off the ball, collected a pass from Vishinul Harris in stride, got by a defender before showing the composure of a top striker to slot home in the 64th minute.

Harris, who had missed an open goal in the first half, congratulated him on the quality of the strike and for saving his skin.

Kevin Wilson ensured that the victory was sealed with his strike in the 80th minute, after Reno captain Alburn Facey brought the Westmoreland team level with a well-taken header in the 66th minute.

"At first I was surprised when I got the ball. I was just running off the ball, and when it came to me, I kept my composure and knocked it in the back of the net.

"I feel very good because in the last game, I had a few chances and I did not put them away, so to come into this game and score is a good feeling," the 25-year-old said.

The former national youth player was especially proud of the fact that his first strike of the season ensured that his team is safely in the semi-finals.

"This means something special to me, to help our team into the semi-finals. We are here to win, and this means that we are six points ahead of Waterhouse, so it is a good victory for us to keep the pressure off us and move to the next game against Boys' Town," said the man who was a member of Calabar High's 2005 Manning Cup champion team.

Hyde, who has played for Meadhaven, Tivoli Gardens and Rivoli United, had a two-year stint in college before playing a year in Finland.

He said he is settled at Arnett and is looking to get back up the football ladder.