Arnett aims at top two

Coach of Arnett Gardens, Jerome 'Jerry' Waite, says that his team's immediate plan is to finish in the top two at the completion of the third and final preliminary stage of the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL). Following an exciting 3-2 victory against Harbour View on Sunday night at The Compound, Waite is confident that despite the team currently in sixth place, they can finish in the top two.

Striker Newton Sterling pushed his tally to eight goals with a double strike, while Leon Strickland scored the other goal. Harbour View scored through Kemar Bennett and an own goal by Arnett's defender Dicoy Williams.

The win pushed Arnett to 41 points, just six behind leaders the University of the West Indies, before their game against Tivoli Gardens on Monday night.

"The objective is to reach the top two, we are not too far away from the leaders, so with seven games remaining, the team is aiming for the top," Waite told The Gleaner yesterday.

"We are the form team of the round with three wins and a draw from four games. It is a chemistry that is picking up at the right time heading into the championship play-offs. However, there is no room for complacency," he warned.

Since, Omarley Francis replaced Damian Hyatt between the sticks, the giant goalkeeper has grown in confidence and made several wonderful saves against Harbour View.

"He (Francis) is here for a reason and performing well in goal for the team," Waite said about his new number one goalkeeper.

Another player who has not been seen a lot for Arnett this season is former national midfielder Renae Lloyd.

"Renae Lloyd is on the outside looking in, so he will have to continue working hard to get back in the team," Waite explained.

The former four-time national champions have played 26 games this season - with 12 wins, five drawn encounters and nine losses. They have scored 36 times and conceded 32 goals.

Arnett will next play against reigning champions Montego Bay United tomorrow at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex in Trench Town.