Howard Walker, Staff Reporter
Jonathan Williams (right) of Arnett Gardens tries to cushion the ball while under pressure from Omar Dallas of Reno during their Wray and Nephew National Premier League game yesterday. The match ended 1-1. - IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
RELEGATION BATTLERS Reno earned a crucial away point after playing to a 1-1 draw with a youthful Arnett Gardens side in their Wray and Nephew National Premier League (NPL) game yesterday.
In front of a small gathering at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, Arnett Gardens got a dream start from the pencil-slim Jonathan Williams.
Inside the second minute, Williams rose elegantly to head home a Lacon Brissett free kick past goalkeeper and coach Aaron Lawrence.
But the towering Fabian Blake of Reno levelled the scores in the 35th minute, heading home unchallenged at the back post. Reno now move to 31 points, just seven above Constant Spring who have a game in hand and up to press time were playing Harbour View in a late kick-off.
SATISFIED WITH POINT
However, Lawrence, a former national goalkeeper, was satisfied with the point and not perturbed with his club's position.
"You have to be satisfied when you come away and get a point. The players played very good and played to our game plan. The only problem was that we didn't score our chances," Lawrence said.
"But we are not scared, we know we have two more games and what we have to do. If you look at the teams Constant Spring have to play, they are tough games, so I think we can pull through," he said.
Arnett Gardens started a youthful team and could have secured the points in the first half but had to survive a spirited second-half performance from Reno.
For the first time in many years, Arnett played without a member of the famous 'Gang of Five', Kevin Wilson, Cornel Chin-Sue, Everton Bunsie, Kwame Richardson and Eugene Barnes.
There was also no Gerald Neil, Jerry Walters, Wayne Ellis and Gregg Taylor but Michael Tulloch, assistant coach was satisfied with the result.
"We played a young team as you might have seen. We are blooding some youngsters for the future; giving them the exposure at this level to see where we go in the pre-season," said Tulloch.
Arnett now have 36 points and are in a battle with Seba United for the last President's Cup spot reserved for the top eight teams.
GOALSHEET
Arnett Gardens 1
(Jonathan Williams 2nd)
Reno 1
(Fabian Blake 35th)
