Cavalier eye return to JPL summit, Arnett stand in the way
Published:Thursday | March 7, 2024 | 12:13 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
RIDING ON a three-game unbeaten streak, Arnett Gardens will look to create more breathing room between them and sixth-place Dunbeholden when they lock horns with Cavalier at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex tonight at 7:00.
Xavier Gilbert, head coach of Arnett Gardens, said that with the regular season drawing to a close, it is important that his team gets a positive result from the affair.
“It’s critical that we get something out of the game for sure as we want to inch closer to the top and solidify our spot in the playoffs. All these games down the stretch are very important, not just to us, but to every team in the league,” he said.
Arnett Gardens have conceded 17 goals in the 20 matches so far in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL). According to Gilbert, he is aware of the dangers of the Cavalier offensive unit, which has scored 31 goals, the third most in the league.
“Yes, there’s a little concern in how we’ve conceded goals. We’re mindful, and we’re doing everything to nullify the opposition’s strengths coming forward at us and see how best we can manage to keep a clean sheet in this and the final games,” said Gilbert.
Gilbert added that with six games remaining in the regular season, he is also hopeful that his team will be more cohesive on both ends of the field as they look to solidify a playoff spot.
“That is of utmost importance in ensuring that we’re in good stead heading into the playoffs as you would love to pick up a rhythm both on the offensive and defensive end,” he shared.
For Cavalier, a victory will take them back to the top of JPL standings after missing out on the opportunity during their Monday Night clash against Humble Lion, where they were forced to come from behind to earn a 1-1 draw.
Cavalier will enter the clash on the back of a 12-game unbeaten run with their last defeat coming on December 17, a 1-0 result against Portmore United.
Speid’s unit, third behind the pair of Tivoli Gardens and Portmore United with the most goals scored, will have Jalmaro Calvin in their ranks.
Calvin is the team’s leading goal scorer and third-best in the Premier League, having netted nine times this season.