Daraine Luton, Freelance Writer
ARNETT GARDENS threw everything at 10-man Portmore United, even the kitchen sink, but could only manage a come-from-behind 2-2 draw in their Wray and Nephew National Premier League encounter at the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex last night.
A win for either team would have defined their position as it relates to qualifying for the first End-of-Round Final.
However, yesterday's result means that both teams will have to fight to the wire for a final berth.
Arnett inched up to 17 points, while Portmore United moved to 16. Portmore have Reno on Wednesday while Arnett have the lowly Constant Spring to play.
Anthony Modeste was the first man on target, slotting home an 11th minute penalty after Antholow Dawkins took down Omar Daley in the box.
Portmore lost left-sided midfielder Kemeel Wolfe in the 22nd minute to a red card from referee Courtney Campbell after he stamped at Conroy Hall.
Although Arnett tried to use the one-man advantage, Portmore led 1-0 at half-time and then doubled their lead when defender Demar Stewart latched unto the end of a Jason Morrison free-kick to score at the 49th minute.
Arnett were not going to play dead. Kwame Richardson put away a cross from Hall to pull back one for Arnett in the the 59th minute.
Later Williams got between Tyrone Sawyers and Modeste to finish off substitute Donavan Miller's cross. Arnett's coach Jerome Waite said his team demonstrated "strength and character in coming from 0-2 down to claim a point".
"The End-of-Round Final is something that every team in contention wants to achieve and if we don't get there it will certainly be a setback," he said.
Meanwhile, Portmore's Paul Young said: "I am very pleased with the way my team played.
"Playing a man down was a disadvantage but they did well in securing a point for us and for that I am happy," he added.
GOALSHEET
Arnett Gardens 2
Kwame Richardson (59th minute), Jonathan Williams (74th minute)
Portmore United 2
Anthony Modeste 11th minute (pen), Demar Stewart (49th minute)
