Thompson confident Arnett will top ‘tie-breaker’ in Red Stripe Premier League semi-final return

Arnett Gardens Football Club captain Oneil 'Bigga' Thompson said his team must put the disappointment of Sunday night's Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) first-leg semi-final 1-1 draw at home against Humble Lion behind them.

The former Boys' Town stand-out said finishing was their only downfall in the first-leg.

He added that although Humble Lion have the psychological advantage going into the second leg at home, Thompson, told The Gleaner that Arnett will have go to Effortville confident of getting the win.

"We knew Humble Lion is a good team, and we didn't expect them to be no pushover. But we did what we were supposed to do, apart from putting away our chances - and we created a lot of chances," he recollected. "We know we have goals in us, today (Sunday) was just one of those days we didn't take any of the chances we got."

He continued: "But I am okay with this result. Humble Lion is a good team. One-all at home is disappointing, but at the same time, it could have been worse."

Thompson noted that in four meetings this season, both teams have one apiece at home.

"We have beaten them here at our home and they beat us at their home, and the other one we drew at their home and then they came and drew here.

"So the two of us have one win and one draw each, and there is still a next game to play, so this will be the tiebreaker come Monday night, and we are going there confident that we can do the job, and, hopefully, we will get the win," he commented.

NEED TO PUT AWAY CHANCES

In Sunday's first leg, the host fashioned the better opportunities throughout the game and only had themselves to blame because of faulty finishing. Thompson insisted that the only thing they should do differently when they travel to Effortville on Monday is put away their chances.

"Why change?" he asked. "We have done everything right apart from converting our chances. Any change we will make, it must be up front, and I don't mean in terms of people, but in terms of our approach towards finishing.

"I believe we will qualify for the final. Humble Lion is a very good team and they pushed us (in the first leg), but that is now history, we have to put it behind us, and we are ready to move on to the next game," he stated.