Richardson

Arnett Gardens emerged the happier neighbours, while reduced to nine players, to clinch a 1-0 victory over Boys' Town in the Trench Town derby - an eighth-round match-up in the Digicel Premier League - at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Sunday.

Fabian Davis, the coach of Arnett Gardens, had nothing but praises for his team.

"We did a lot of work and it showed tonight. The energy was there, the players were very focused and the concentration was increased to another level," Davis said.

"We were unlucky to get two red cards, but the players showed determination, pride and resilience," a proud Davis added.

It was a fiery encounter that was action-packed from start to finish, truly living up to its derby billing, with a vociferous crowd, most of whom were supporting the Junglists, enhancing the atmosphere.

Boys' Town got the perfect opportunity to silence the home crowd in the fourth minute when they were awarded a penalty, after an Arnett Gardens defender handled the ball in the 18-yard box. Peter Keyes stepped up to take the kick but sent his shot wide.

In the hard-fought encounter where both teams jostled for control of midfield, Arnett had two fewer men to help their cause by the 62nd minute when Nicora Plummer was sent off for a second bookable offence. His teammate Rashedee Clarke had been given marching orders eight minutes earlier, when he had also picked up his second yellow card.

Boys' Town tried their best to make use of the two-man advantage and spent a significant amount of time in the Arnett Gardens half.

All-important goal

It was Arnett, however, who found the all-important goal in the 78th minute, when Leon Strickland confused two Boys' Town defenders before the ball broke to Kwame Richardson, who slammed it past Boys' Town keeper Philmore Crumbie.

Arnett Gardens, led by Gerald Neil, displayed some very stout defending to the end as they secured their third victory of the season.

Boys' Town coach, Andrew Price, was very disappointed with his team's performance.

"I am disappointed, very disappointed. I think it was a good game for spectators," Price said.

"My players did not use their head and make use of the two-man advantage, but I must give Arnett a lot of credit. They stood out there and fought," he added.