Arnett's Waite hails goalkeeper after win

Arnett Gardens coach Jerome Waite praised his goalkeeper, Damion Hyatt, after his team came away with a 2-1 win in the Red Stripe Premier League semi-final first leg against Humble Lion on Monday night.

The Junglists will take their slim advantage into the second leg at the Effortville Community Centre field in Clarendon next Sunday.

"It was a competitive and tactical game," Waite told The Gleaner, "Our goal-keeper, Damion Hyatt, came up big with two outstanding saves, and we also created some clear chances and should have scored at least one more time," he said after the game, which was played at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.

The home team settled early with some good attacking play and pushed back Humble Lion. They, however, had to wait until just before half time, when hot striker Fabian Reid found the back of the net.

The home side doubled the advantage when star midfielder Vishinul Harris converted past Humble Lion's goalkeeper Khadeen Davis in the 60th minute. However, the visitors responded with a goal from Kevon Reid two minutes later.

POWER OUTAGE

It was, indeed, a good game for the spectators, despite rain before and during the game that started 15 minutes late due to a power outage.

Harris, who came back from injury during the late part of the season, was replaced after scoring, and Waite said he wanted to save the player for the next game.

"Vishinul Harris is a class player. We have another leg, so we made a decision to take him out as he is just back from injury," Waite explained.

Looking forward to the second leg, Waite said they are very confident.

"Everybody is confident playing at home. In the quarter-final, we went to St James and beat Montego Bay United, so we can do the same to Humble Lion," he said.