Sporting Central net second straight win

Richard Bryan, Gleaner Writer

Sporting Central Academy scored their second straight win of the 2011-12 National Premier League season, subjecting Arnett Gardens to a 3-1 defeat at Brancourt yesterday.

It was also the second straight week that the Clarendon team was using home advantage at their lush Brancourt outfield to gain maximum points. They find themselves in the unusual position of top three after three games, on six points.

By contrast, the 'Junglists' who ignited much hope that their pre-season knockout triumph in the KSAFA based Claro Cup would spur a revival in the new season, were being subjected to a second straight loss.

"This is something to build on," Sporting's coach Vassell Reynolds told The Gleaner. "We have been finishing games well and that's the most pleasing aspect."

Arnett's coach Paul 'Tegat' Davis was critical of his team's second half approach and hinted he would spend some time properly scrutinising the game.

"We just lapsed for five minutes and paid the price," said Davis while explaining the loss.

"We got excited and failed to track," he added, stating that indiscipline had crept in when they were on top.

Sporting began the game well, as overlapping defender Gregory Lewis, who scored three times last season, booted home the first opportunity to score, his confidence and execution from an angle at the top of the six-yard box, surprising Julian McLeish in goal.

Arnett, however, matched Sporting in enterprise, with Rohan Reid and new national senior recruit Errol Stevens causing much uncertainty. The equaliser always looked on the cards and came in the 15th minute when Reid's dribble unlocked the defence. He opted to shoot, as opposed to setting up Stevens, who had made an advance. His clear shot on goal was deflected by Sanchez Lloyd in goal, and near enough for Stevens to gently volley home.

A close contest going to the break turned the home team's way decisively 10 minutes on the resumption following two massive saves by Sanchez, moment of brilliance by Jamoli Powell and Francois Swaby, and the introduction of Levaughn Williams.

Sanchez came up big, diving away to parry a torrid drive on goal by Stevens and then expertly delayed a dive backwards to tip an overhead kick by Kemar Brown over the crossbar.

Arnett's seige on Sporting was halted as Powell and Swaby - who interestingly were both being constantly heckled by the home crowd for inconsistent play - produced a brilliant counter-attack. The much criticised duo were swift and deadly, with Powell crafting a through ball which would leave Swaby with a perfect angle to slip across McLeish, who was forced to leave his line.