Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer
Greg Taylor (left) of Arnett Gardens and Josimar Sinclair of Clark's Town clash during their 0-0 draw at the Elleston Wakeland Centre in Falmouth yesterday. - PHOTO BY RICHARD MORAIS
WRAY AND Nephew National Premier League team Arnett Gardens yesterday failed to show the superiority expected of them over Super League team Clark's Town as they played to a 0-0 draw in their second-round, first-leg Red Stripe Champions Cup knockout encounter at Elliston Wakeland Centre.
It was 90 minutes of football which the fair number of fans who turned out for the midweek match could have done without. Apart from a couple of missed opportunities from Clark's Town forward Huwayne Blake, the best of which came in the first half, there was little to write home about.
Arnett Gardens' Kevin Wilson came to life in the second half as he forced a number of good saves out of goalkeeper Rodney Hamilton. Gerald Neil also tested him but there was very little to turn the fans on.
PLAYING CONDITIONS BLAMED
Jerome Waite, coach of Arnett Gardens, felt that the playing conditions were responsible for the poor performance of his team.
"We all know the Village playing conditions are not the best and that resulted in the poor showing," said Waite, who appeared calm under the circumstances.
He gave Clark's Town credit for the way they played. "I believe that this team can play, but it was windy and the hard surface created a problem also. Despite the draw, I think my team created chances that we could have put away but due to the conditions we faltered," he said.
Waite expects his team to lift their game and take care of business in the return leg.
"We have 90 more minutes to prove our rank back home so will just have to review our performance, regroup and come again," he said with optimism.
Clark's Town coach Steven Petgrave said that he had only been with the team for seven days but was getting the discipline required of the players.
COACH DISAPPOINTED
He, however, expressed disappointment with the fact that his team created chances, but failed to capitalise.
"Chances are golden opportunities and should be scored. What they need is more confidence and composure and I told them in training that comes with responsibility," he said.
Of the second leg which will be played next week, he expects his players to hold their own.
"As we know, when we go to Kingston it is the same football that they are going to play. They will have home advantage, which we do not fear.
"All the guys should just go out there with the same confidence, keep their composure and play football because that is what it is all about."
GOALSHEET
Arnett Gardens 0
Clark's Town 0
Reno 0
St George's 0
