Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer
BENNETT
THE FREEFALL of end-of-first round winners Arnett Gardens continued yesterday at the Elliston Wakeland Centre when they went down 0-3 to Village United as the second round of the Wray and Nephew National Premier League continued.
Teofore Bennett opened the scoring in the 19th minute with his first goal of the season. Troy Smith added a second in the 27th minute, while Ian McAnuff closed the proceedings in the 38th minute.
For Arnett Gardens' Michael Tulloch the defeat, their third since winning the End-of-Round Final, resulted from a lack of application.
"Well basically a lot of factors contributed to how we played today but it is a game of football and if you do not apply the right methods you will always find results like this," the Arnett coach said.
His team remained on 21 points, three adrift Village which advanced to third on 24 points.
Dr. Dean Weatherly of Village was happy for the points but believes there is still more work to be done.
MAIN OBJECTIVE
"We definitely need to get more points so the objective is to win as many games as possible. We have to change the way we play in terms of only winning at home. We have to look at winning on the road also," the coach, Dr. Weatherly explained.
The home team started out as the stronger unit and quickly got the visitors on the back foot. The speedy Bennett and his strike partner Fabian Dawkins stretched the Arnett Gardens defense line.
Arnett Gardens tried to hit on the counter but could not get past the sharp-looking Allien Whittaker in goal for Village.
It was only a matter of time before the offensive approach of Village United paid off. Bennett connected with a rebound and struck it sweetly with the left foot on the volley. It sailed past Julian McLeish at his near post.
Other chances were to be created but would not be made use of until the 27th minute when defender Smith sent another beauty into the net. His shot, a dipping left-footer from about 25-yards, clipped the underside of the crossbar and kissed the net.
The two-goal advantage spurred the home team on but their top marksman Dawkins just could not find the back of the net. Wingback Nicardo Folkes who played a role in the first goal was again involved in the third. His outswinging cross evaded the Arnett Gardens defense and goalkeeper Julian McLeish, who was planted to his line. The alert McAnuff reacted quickly and headed into the goal in the 38th minute.
Arnett Gardens became more positive in the second half but still looked second best as the home team outdid them but could not add to their lead.
GOALSHEET
Village United 3
Teofore Bennett 19th, Troy Smith 27th, Ian McAnuff 38th
Arnett Gardens 0
