MoBay snatch late equaliser in Arnett thriller in Red Stripe Premier League

WESTERN BUREAU:

Montego Bay United goalkeeper Jacomena Barrett is again coming under fire from the club's supporters after his two mistakes gifted Arnett Gardens two goals in a dramatic 2-2 draw in Monday Night's Red Stripe Premier League football match at Montego Bay Sports Complex.

Arnett Gardens rallied from a goal down after Dino Williams netted his league-leading ninth goal of the season in just the second minute of the match.

With Monday's result, MBU are on 18 points, two clear of second-place Portmore United, while Arnett Gardens moved a spot up from fifth to fourth with 14 points after nine matches.

The game took a turn in the 71st minute when Barrett raced out of his area to clear a through pass intended for Kemal Malcolm. The midfielder got his foot to the ball first and lobbed it into an open net.

The Junglists' second goal was shocking. Barrett again was brought into the centre of the action as he failed to save at his near post off a Marcelino Blackburn left-sided free kick that was lifted over the wall, giving Arnett a 2-1 lead at the 85th minute.

The home team would have the final say in a match that swung from end to end. O'Wayne Gordon, having perhaps his most complete game in the MBU shirt, fired in a stunning free kick of his own in the 88th minute to spark frantic celebrations among supporters in the grandstand.

A clearly upset MBU head coach, Tim Hankinson, suggested the game was theirs to win.

"Any time you're building points, whether one or three, it's progress, it keeps you moving up the ladder and puts some distance between us and the other teams. But the way we played the first half, we should have capitalised on some of those chances," said Hankinson.

SECOND-STRING KEEPER

"Not getting two goals going into the half meant that we were going to have a rough second half, and against such a good team, you have to put away your chances," he said.

Hankinson said that while Barrett continues to accumulate mistakes in the goal, second-string keeper Romaine Bowers has little experience at this level and must be eased into any possible starting role.

"There were mistakes tonight. There is no doubt about it, and we have a very capable keeper in Bowers on the bench, but he has very little experience - only one game at this level - and you have to bring him along properly," reasoned Hankinson.

"I think, however, he (Bowers) will get his chance in the game Thursday against Waterhouse, where we expect to grab another three points and further separate ourselves from the others in the league," said Hankinson.

Monday Night's Result

- Montego Bay United 2 Arnett Gardens 2

Today's games

- 3 p.m. Tivoli Gardens vs Portmore United at Edward Seaga Sports Complex

- 3 p.m. Reno vs Cavalier SC at Frome Sports Complex

- 3 p.m. Humble Lion vs Boys' Town at Effortville Community Centre

- 7 p.m. Harbour View vs UWI FC at Harbour View Stadium

Tomorrow's games

- 6 p.m. Arnett Gardens vs Rivoli United at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex

- 3 p.m. Montego Bay United vs Waterhouse at Wespow Park