Arnett’s rough start to JPL season faces Mount Pleasant roadblock

IT HAS not been the best of starts for Arnett Gardens in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) this season, but coach Xavier Gilbert is looking to avoid further setbacks when they square off against Mount Pleasant in the feature game of match-day five, at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex at 7:30 p.m. this evening.

Gilbert said his team needs the three points and are highly motivated for the contest.

“We need it. It is not the best start we would have wanted but it is not the worst either. We just have to give it our all and get something out of the game,” he said.

He noted also that dropping points today would leave them in a difficult position.

“No, we really don’t want that. That would mean chasing the pack, and pressure can come and you really don’t want that on the team, the players, the staff.

“You want to stay in the hunt at all times. Times are going to come when you have a good run, it’s for you to make use of it.

“Then, times are going to come when you have your bad patch, and it’s just to make sure you grind out results during those periods,” he continued.

Mount Pleasant are fourth in the table, behind Cavalier (10), Montego Bay (nine) and Harbour View (seven), but level on six points with Portmore and Waterhouse.

Arnett Gardens are two points adrift on four points, the same as Humble Lion, Vere Phoenix, and Racing United.

Arnett and Mount Pleasant met earlier this season in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup, with the latter coming out 2-1 winners.

Gilbert said he learned a lot from that defeat. As a result, he plans to make some adjustments for this match.

“We definitely have to do something different. We weren’t successful a few weeks ago, and that means we are going to have to change some of the things we did.

“We are looking to be tighter in defence, have better possession, and make better decisions in the final third. Hopefully, we can come out and execute,” he stated.

“But this is always an exciting game. Both play good, attractive football. The atmosphere also is exciting and it fosters that kind of football.

“Hopefully, we can give the fans a game they enjoy. But, most importantly, get three points and get back some points on the table.”

Meanwhile, with their 4-0 mauling of Racing in their last match, Mount Pleasant remains perfect from two matches and are high on confidence heading into today’s encounter.

Evenly matched

Mount Pleasant hold the better head-to-head record but, over the last two seasons, the teams have been evenly matched with two wins, two draws and one defeat each in the JPL.

In the opening game of the double-header, Chapelton Maroons take on Humble Lion in the Clarendon derby.

Chapelton have three points after one win from three games while Humble have four points after four draws

However, Chapelton will see this as an opportunity to return to winning ways.

At the Harbour View Mini-Stadium, the home team will look to continue their three-match unbeaten run and stay with the front pack.

Their opponents, Portmore United, are ever improving under coach Rudolph Austin and will not make it easy for the Stars of the East.

At Drewsland, home team Waterhouse will start favourites against Vere. However, the travelling Vere cannot be taken lightly.

At Ferdie Neita Park, Cavalier will start favourites against newcomers Racing. In the battle of the big-time strugglers, Dunbeholden and Tivoli will face off as both seek their first win of the season.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Today’s Games

Harbour View vs Portmore at Harbour View (3 p.m.)

Racing vs Cavalier at Ferdie Neita Park (3 p.m.)

Dunbeholden vs Tivoli at Dunbeholden (3 p.m.)

Waterhouse vs Vere at Drewsland (6 p.m.)

Chapelton vs Humble Lion at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex (5 p.m.)

Arnett vs Mount Pleasant at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex at (7:30 p.m.)