WESTERN BUREAU:
Arnett Gardens FC will have just another 90-plus minutes to try and keep hold of their Red Stripe Premier League title when they battle Montego Bay United (MBU) in the return leg semi-final on Sunday at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.
Hopes of returning home with an advantage were dashed on Monday night when they stumbled to a 2-1 loss in Montego Bay; a gallant effort, but not good enough on the night against resolute MBU, who showed glimpses of the kind of football their fans love to see.
The MBU forward, Owayne Gordon, was at his imperious best once more, capping his night with a spectacular goal in the 23rd minute.
Arnett responded like true champions when Michaelos Martin prodded home from close range in the 43rd for the equaliser.
Midfielder Ronaldo Rodney sealed victory for the home side when he poked home his chance after some shocking goalkeeping from Peter Harrison in the Arnett Gardens goal.
"We deserve the win because all season we have had it rough against this Arnett side," said Gordon, who was scoring his league leading 20th goal.
"It's all about the final and winning the title. Nothing else matters. Once we get there, if Humble Lion or Portmore make it, we will win it," Gordon added.
The forward has been a revelation all season and is relishing his new-found confidence. In tandem with either out-of-favour Dino Williams or the industrious Cory Hylton in attack, he just continues scoring goals.
Against one of the better defensive teams in the defending champions, he was great. His goal was sublime to say the least.
He picked up the ball in midfield sped by his marker, slid the ball to Hylton, who back-heeled the ball into his running path and without breaking stride Gordon took one touch before curling the ball expertly into the net.
"I am really feeling good, and I am promising another goal on their ground next week because we know now that we can defeat them," he added.
Arnett Gardens were left ruing a number of missed chances, but will have loads of confidence playing at home, where MBU have found it difficult this season, as they have not done particularly well on their travels to the capital city Kingston.
"It's an advantage we can work with. We haven't done greatly playing in Kingston this season, but it is an opportunity for us to show quality if we can hold off this Arnett Gardens team in their home," said Dillon Thelwell, MBU's assistant coach.