Howard Walker, Staff Reporter

Shawn Henry (second left) of August Town is closely monitored by Arnett Gardens' Jerry Walters (second right) during their Wray and Nephew National Premier League encounter at Barbican yesterday. Looking on are referee Kevin Morrison (left), August Town's Carlos Barrett (partly hidden) and Marlon Benbow of Arnett Gardens. Arnett won 4-1. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

A SECOND-half hat-trick by substitute Kwame Richardson propelled Arnett Gardens to a come-from-behind 4-1 win over August Town in their Wray and Nephew National Premier League (NPL) game at the Barbican Field yesterday.

The bustling Gary Brooks gave August Town a seventh-minute lead when he met a Daniel Shaw free kick and headed powerfully past Julian McLeish in goal.

The half ended 1-0 with August Town looking as if they would continue their recent good run which had seen them climb the table into eighth position.

But Arnett Gardens ruined that with four goals in 17 minutes as Richardson grabbed his hat-trick in 14 minutes, with his first coming two minutes after entering the field.

Penalty

Referee Kevin Morrison awar-ded Arnett Gardens a penalty resulting from a hand ball, and defender Wayne Ellis calmly slotted home to level the score in the 51st minute.

Richardson, who came on in the 52nd minute, gave Arnett the lead in 54th after August Town's defender David Lalor 'kick and miss'.

Richardson doubled his tally eight minutes later, pouncing on a through pass to make it 3-1 before completing his three-timer in the 68th minute.

With Arnett out of sight, the game predictably got rough and Tafari O'Connor of August Town and Horace Sharpe of Arnett Gardens got red-carded in the 84th and 86th minutes respectively.

Arnett Gardens consolidated fifth position on 30 points, two more than Tivoli Gardens who drew 1-1 with Village. August Town remain eighth on 19 points.

Bailey overjoyed

Winning coach Glendon 'Admiral' Bailey was more than happy for the three points and is eyeing a spot in the second end-of-round final.

"We have an aim and the objective of this round is to reach the mid-season final and we are three steps closer to that. We are going to try and win the remaining games," Bailey said.

August Town coach Hugh McCarthy said the penalty awarded to Arnett Gardens threw off his team and it never recovered.

"They never recouped from that," McCarthy said. "Apparently, they took it too strong. This game is a big setback for us. We have to now build back the confidence of the players."

In the lone NPL game today, 11th placed Wadadah host faltering Boys' Town at the Elliston Wakeland Centre, starting at 3:30 p.m.

Arnett Gardens