Leaders Arnett held by a late penalty by Vere

Last week against Humble Lion, Arnett Gardens scored a 90-plus nine-minute goal to secure a point against Humble Lion in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL).

Fast forward to this week, and the Premier League leaders had the almost same scenario unfold, this time it wasn’t in their favour as hosts Vere United scored a 90 plus seven-minute penalty to earn a 1-1 draw at the Wembley Centre of Excellence.

The ‘Junglist’ felt they had the match wrapped up after taking the lead in the 75th minute when Marlon Allen’s shot hit the arm of Donovan Clarke inside the Vere penalty area.

Captain Fabian Reid stepped up to convert the penalty, which ignited a huge cheer from the small travelling ‘Junglist’ supporters.

The home fans felt that goal wasn’t a just reward for their team, who had the better of the exchanges from the first half, with Fakibi Farquharson bringing out a spectacular save from goalkeeper Ricardo White in the 27th minute.

It wouldn’t be all dome and gloom for Vere, who would get some respite in the closing stages of the contest when Alwin Strachan was fouled inside the area on an aerial challenge, and referee Nerissa Goldson pointed to the spot, to the bereavement of the Arnett bench.

Farquharson then stepped up to seal Vere’s 16th point of the competition to the elation of coach Linval Dixon.

“We are happy about this point because it shows that we have a lot of fight in this team. As to the penalty, if a player goes up and is fouled in the air, it is a penalty, and that is part of the sport and its football,” Dixon said.

Losing captain Reid said his team got another poor call with the game on the line.

“We fought hard today, but the referee also gave us a fight because that last call that she made was in no way a penalty and that broke down all the hard work we fought for,” Reid said.

In other games yesterday, Molynes United edged Mount Pleasant 2-1 thanks to a double from Nicholas Nelson, Portmore United outplayed Faulkland FC 4-0, with Chevaughn Walsh also getting a double.

Harbour View scored the odd goal in a 2-1 win over Cavalier, while Chapelton Maroons and Montego Bat United played to a goalless draw.

Tomorrow, Tivoli Gardens will tackle Humble Lion at 5:00 p.m., and Waterhouse face Dunbeholden at 7:30 p.m. Both matches will be at Ashenheim Stadium.

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