Faulkland relegated after 2-0 defeat

Western Bureau

Both newcomers to the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) have now been relegated after Faulkland FC went down following a 2-0 defeat to league leaders Arnett Gardens FC at the Montego Bay Sports Complex yesterday.

The other newcomers, Clarendon’s Chapelton Maroons, were relegated after the last round of matches.

Coming into the game needing a win to at least have a chance of saving themselves, Faulkland were found trailing just three minutes into the contest when Fabian Reid found the back of the net.

Just when the hosts thought they could settle down and get back into the game Jaheim Thomas shot home a rebound after a shot by Reid in the 18th minute. The table-toppers controlled the remainder of the game for a comfortable win.

Gregory Palmer, coach of Faulkland, admitted they were lacking in a few areas.

“It’s a pity we didn’t stay up, we had some difficulties. I think the defensive principle was lacking and I always say from Division Two days that defence win championships. In the league, we needed to defend better. We gave away too many points. Also, in some areas, especially the defensive third, I think we lacked depth in quality,” Palmer said while adding that they were looking to return to the nation’s top flight as soon as possible.

“That (coming back up immediately) is the aim. We have won the Tier Two already, and since its inception, we have usually progressed to the next stage. It will be a rebuilding process. We had some players that have been with us since Division Two who fought for the club,” Palmer said.

Playing in his home city, Paul Davis, the Arnett Gardens coach, said that while he appreciated his team’s consistency with results, they were still lacking cutting-edge performances at the “crunch time of the season”.

“The result is what we need because it’s crunch time now and everyone fighting for places. We have to keep consistent,” Davis said.

“We are scoring goals, which is good, but we need to play better. Now is not the time to drop our performance. Although the goals are coming, we are giving the other teams chances to score, and we don’t need that,” he added.