Calm head does it for Stewart and Waterhouse

Another veteran, Carlos Barrett, was deservedly named Man of the Match on Monday night as Waterhouse FC booked their spot in the 2017/2018 Red Stripe Premier League final by dethroning defending champions Arnett Gardens 3-1 on aggregate (2-1 on the night).

Not only did Stewart curl home an unstoppable free kick in the 53rd minute that made a statue of goalkeeper Damion Hyatt; to kill off Arnett Gardens' fight, he kept his head even when provoked. The goal marked Stewart's second successive game winner at this stage of the competition as last week his free kick gave his team a 1-0 victory in the first leg.

Heading into the second leg away from home with a one-goal lead, the Drewsland-based outfit knew that a trip into the jungle was going be a fight to the death, but they were prepared, none more so than Stewart. The 29-year-old said the two goals in the semi-final round are of great significance for himself, his team, and his family.

"It really means a great deal to me, my team, my family, and everyone involved. We knew playing here was going to be a very tough game, especially with the passionate supporters they have, who are like a few extra players on the pitch. We knew we would have to come out and work hard not only for ourselves individually but each other and in the end we are happy for the two goals and the victory," reflected Stewart.

This is the second successive season in which Stewart has played a major role in getting a team to the premier league final. As fate would have it, he will be playing against the team he helped last year, Portmore United.

"Last year I helped Portmore to the finals but walked out on them at the last moment. I came to Waterhouse determined that I would play in the finals again, I did my best to help the team and here we are. A game against Portmore is going to be very tough, but we need to focus and play our football, and hopefully that will get us over the line" Stewart said.

The usually temperamental player was unusually calm in a very physical game, in which he was targeted.

"Well, we knew the kind of game that this was going to be. We knew that the Arnett players and fans would try to wind me up to get me off my game, have me retaliate and get carded or sent off, but my family spoke to me, [and] told me no matter what I should stay calm and focused on the game," said the man who first made his name as a schoolboy playing for Eltham High.

Stewart also said his coach gave him a solid piece of advice that helped him during the game.

"Coach said to me,' Tremaine they are gonna come at you but stay calm and disciplined. You're going to be the man for Waterhouse today. All you need to do is stay on the pitch," stated Stewart, who did not depart from this advice.