By Daraine
Luton, Freelance Writer
SOUTH CENTRAL Confederation champions Arlington Football Club and
St. George's of Portland are the early front-runners for the two
National Premier League (NPL) spots up for grabs in next season's
Wray and Nephew NPL.
After two sets of games, the South Central Confederation
champions and St. Georges are locked on four points, this following
respective home victories yesterday.
Arlington confronted and beat former two-time champions Wadadah
4-0 at Prison Oval in St. Catherine. Santos tasted a 1-2 defeat at
the hands of St. George's at Lynch Park, Portland.
Damion Harwood and Rodger Williams scored for St. George's while
Kevon Harris was the man on target for Santos.
WADADAH OUTCLASSED
At Prison Oval, Arlington's youthful team outclassed the more
mature Wadadah side.
However, it was not until the 27th minute that the partisan crowd
celebrated the first goal. Then, Zico Herrera drove the ball home
from close range after Wadadah's goalie Triston Bernard had parried
Kemar Munroe's shot into his path.
Although Wadadah trailed by only one goal at half time, there was
little to suggest they could get back in the game. Few threatening
passes came out of their midfield and their strikers, Markino
Gillings and Neville Brown, appeared ineffective.
Brown, like some of his other team members, seemed less than
fully fit, while captain Durrant Brown was not effective playing the
sweeper's role.
Arlington seemed much more purposeful on the ball.
With Roger Aspener sparking in midfield, Arlington threatened the
goal several times. In the second half they got their reward.
SOLO DRIBBLE
Derrington Duffus opened Arlington's second half account by
converting a solo dribble 70 minutes into the game. Duffus collected
a pass inside the area and weaved his way past three defenders
before shooting to the left of the hapless goalie making it 2-0.
Dwayne Gowe then scored twice in eleven minutes, to drive the
pride out of the Wadadah side. His first goal caused some
controversy. Gowe stole around the Wadadah's defence that did not
react to him, anticipating referee Peter Prendergaste's whistle
which never came.
The second goal was a more clinical strike, a left-footed effort
that Gowe rocketed into Bernard's goal.
An elated Oneil Thomas, coach of Arlington, said yesterday's
result was a welcome one.
"Our aim right now is to go through to the Premier League," said
Thomas. "I hope to go unbeaten."
Wadadah said the defeat does not end their bid to return to the
Premier League. Coach Delroy Dellisser said, "We are down but not
out."
