Arnett face stern Waterhouse test
published: Wednesday | February 13, 2008
Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter
Onandi Lowe (second right) celebrates after scoring Arnett Gardens' second goal in their 4-0 win over Tivoli Gardens last Thursday in the Western Union Jackie Bell Knockout quarter-finals at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex. Joining the celebration are teammates Kevin Wilson and Fabian Davis (right). - photo by LeVaughn Flynn
FORMER CHAMPIONS Arnett Gardens hope their revival will lead them back to the silverware promised land, but the semi-final test they face against a surging Waterhouse in the Western Union Jackie Bell Knockout competition later this evening will be as stern as any they have faced all season.
The 7:30 p.m. fixture, which will be the second of a semi-final double-header under the lights of the Harbour View Mini Stadium, will pit the 'Junglists', who should be buoyed by their recent performances, against a Waterhouse team brimming with confidence after capturing the Cash Plus Premier League's second end-of-round title on Sunday.
In the early game, which begins at 5:30 p.m., defending champions Harbour View will look to book their spot in the final when they take on Super League team Duhaney Park.
New signings
Arnett boosted by experienced new signings Fabian Davis and Onandi Lowe now seem a long way from their mediocre start to the season, which saw them second from the bottom in the island's top-flight standings.
In last week's quarter-final round, Arnett dismantled rivals Tivoli Gardens 4-0 in an impressive showing. However, the man credited with the team's comeback, their coach Jerome Waite, expects an even tougher challenge this evening.
"Whenever we play Waterhouse, it is always a tough game. They are a very physical team but we are hoping to go out and play good, attractive football," Waite said.
"The team is playing well and we are pretty confident right now and what I expect is the same level of intensity from my players that they have been showing recently," he said.
Arnett will be without veteran striker Kevin 'Pele' Wilson, who scored in the last game but was given a red card, but with Lowe and the quick Kwame Richardson up front, they should still have plenty of firepower.
Coach wary of threat
Waterhouse coach Wayne Fairclough is wary of the Arnett threat but believes the Drewsland team has what it takes to deliver the goods.
"Arnett are a good team. Anybody facing them always has to prepare for a battle but we have been playing well so we are hoping the momentum will stay with us," Fairclough said.
"Football is what you do on the day. It a different game so we have no reason to be worried, we will just be going out their to work hard," he said.
In the day's other game, Harbour View, though having shown a bit of consistency so far this season, will start heavy favourites against Duhaney Park.
The 'Stars of the East' showed their resolve to defend the title by coming from behind to overpower Boys' Town 3-2 in the quarter-final round, while Duhaney Park slipped by Bull Bay 4-3 on penalties.
The final will take place on Sunday at the same venue.
published: Wednesday | February 13, 2008
Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter
Onandi Lowe (second right) celebrates after scoring Arnett Gardens' second goal in their 4-0 win over Tivoli Gardens last Thursday in the Western Union Jackie Bell Knockout quarter-finals at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex. Joining the celebration are teammates Kevin Wilson and Fabian Davis (right). - photo by LeVaughn Flynn
FORMER CHAMPIONS Arnett Gardens hope their revival will lead them back to the silverware promised land, but the semi-final test they face against a surging Waterhouse in the Western Union Jackie Bell Knockout competition later this evening will be as stern as any they have faced all season.
The 7:30 p.m. fixture, which will be the second of a semi-final double-header under the lights of the Harbour View Mini Stadium, will pit the 'Junglists', who should be buoyed by their recent performances, against a Waterhouse team brimming with confidence after capturing the Cash Plus Premier League's second end-of-round title on Sunday.
In the early game, which begins at 5:30 p.m., defending champions Harbour View will look to book their spot in the final when they take on Super League team Duhaney Park.
New signings
Arnett boosted by experienced new signings Fabian Davis and Onandi Lowe now seem a long way from their mediocre start to the season, which saw them second from the bottom in the island's top-flight standings.
In last week's quarter-final round, Arnett dismantled rivals Tivoli Gardens 4-0 in an impressive showing. However, the man credited with the team's comeback, their coach Jerome Waite, expects an even tougher challenge this evening.
"Whenever we play Waterhouse, it is always a tough game. They are a very physical team but we are hoping to go out and play good, attractive football," Waite said.
"The team is playing well and we are pretty confident right now and what I expect is the same level of intensity from my players that they have been showing recently," he said.
Arnett will be without veteran striker Kevin 'Pele' Wilson, who scored in the last game but was given a red card, but with Lowe and the quick Kwame Richardson up front, they should still have plenty of firepower.
Coach wary of threat
Waterhouse coach Wayne Fairclough is wary of the Arnett threat but believes the Drewsland team has what it takes to deliver the goods.
"Arnett are a good team. Anybody facing them always has to prepare for a battle but we have been playing well so we are hoping the momentum will stay with us," Fairclough said.
"Football is what you do on the day. It a different game so we have no reason to be worried, we will just be going out their to work hard," he said.
In the day's other game, Harbour View, though having shown a bit of consistency so far this season, will start heavy favourites against Duhaney Park.
The 'Stars of the East' showed their resolve to defend the title by coming from behind to overpower Boys' Town 3-2 in the quarter-final round, while Duhaney Park slipped by Bull Bay 4-3 on penalties.
The final will take place on Sunday at the same venue.
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