Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

Village United headed into the first round break of the Wray and Nephew National Premier League on a high note when they downed home team Arnett Gardens 1-0 at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex yesterday.

The powerfully-built Newton Sterling proved to be the difference when he absolutely thumped a sixth minute free-kick past Arnett custodian Julian McLeish.

Mcleish, who was the one who conceded a free-kick by bringing down a Village player just outside 18-yard area, could only watch as the rocket-like attempt flew into the top right hand corner of his goal.

"We did very well to score so early and maintain the level of football and I am very pleased with that," said Village coach Dr. Dean Weatherly. "Three points away from home is always good, especially three points here at Arnett Gardens."

However,having gone a goal down, Arnett Gardens would pick up their play. Jonathan Williams nearly pulled them level just seven minute later but was denied by brave goalkeeping from Village custodian Leighton Murray, who went full stretch to deny Williams who looked to turn in a corner.

An even better opportunity would fall to Adonijah Cameron, but after being released to goal by a well-weighted pass from league's leading scorer Leon Strickland, Cameron scoffed the shot with just the keeper to beat.

"I think we played well. We were just unfortunate not to find an equaliser, we had them on the backfoot for most of the second half but could not find the net," assessed Arnett coach Glendon Bailey. "We just lost our patience a bit but it was just one of those games."

Arnett 0

Village 1

Newton Sterling (6th minute)