Allen's quick double get Boys' Town off the mark

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Former Tivoli Gardens forward, Jermaine Allen, proved his worth with new club Boys' Town, when he netted a brace to guide them to a 2-1 win over community rivals Arnett Gardens at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex yesterday.

Allen, who was a standout with Tivoli Gardens High in the urban area Manning Cup a few seasons ago, scored in the 13th and 15th minutes as Boys' Town, who were docked points last week for not properly registering midfielder Marvin Morgan Jr, recorded their first win after four tries.

"I am happy that all the hard work that I have been putting in so far since joining Boys' Town is paying off," said Allen, who was participating in his third game of the season.

"We were close to the bottom of the table coming into this game and needed a win to move up and hopefully we will continue to build from here," he added.

Allen, who left Tivoli in January for Cavalier because of what he described as "a lack of playing time", but made the switch to Boys' Town at the start of the 2011-12 Premier League season, opened the scoring when he was the quickest to react to a square from his captain, Michael Campbell.

The square, which was delivered after a stirring run on the right flank from Campbell, flew over the head of goalkeeper Damion Hyatt, who was close to his line and showing good awareness, the former national Under-20 representative was on hand to tap home.

With Arnett Gardens still reeling from the goal and struggling to settle defensively, Allen struck again.

Good skills

Receiving a goal at the top of the area, he showed good, close skills to beat two defenders, before picking his spot with a well-hit grounder.

Arnett then made a couple substitutions, including bringing on lanky striker Newton Sterling, who came on in the first half, in a bid to change the tide of the game.

But a stout Boys' Town, led by the outstanding central defender Nicholas McMorris and Oneil 'Bigga' Thompson, continuously kept them at bay.

The hosts eventually got a goal in injury time when Kirk Ramsey scored from the penalty spot, but as time dictated it was a case of too little too late.

Boys' Town had earlier squandered a penalty, in the third minute when Renae Lloyd missed from the spot.

"We came out flat in the first half and Boys' Town as a result were able to move the ball around. We then tried to make the necessary adjustments, however, after creating a couple of chances we just could not convert," said Arnett's assistant coach, Lijyasu Simms.