Arnett Gardens and Molynes United battled to a 1-1 draw in their Jamaica Premier League (JPL) encounter at the Captain Horace Burrell Centre of Excellence at the University of the West Indies on Monday (August 2).

Ackeem Stewart’s own goal in the 20th minute handed Arnett Gardens the lead with Nicholas Nelson scoring his third goal of the season in the 67th minute, which equalised for Molynes.

With four rounds of matches left to play in the preliminary round of the shortened competition, both teams are in danger of not making the top six that will advance into the second round of the competition.

With the point earned from the match, Arnett Gardens are on four points and the ninth position in the points standing with Molynes a point and a place adrift. Both, however, have a match in hand and will have to make up ground quickly on the teams ahead of them, to progress.

Reigning champions Portmore United lead the points standing on 13 points with Vere United second on 11 points.

WATERHOUSE, TIVOLI IN STRIKING DISTANCE

Harbour View lead Dunbeholden on goal difference as both are on nine points, while Cavalier lead Mount Pleasant on goal difference with both on eight points.

Those teams currently occupy the top six positions, however, Waterhouse and Tivoli are within striking distance as both are on six points, with Waterhouse leading on goal difference. Mathematically, even cellar-dwellers Humble Lion can qualify as they are on three points after six matches.

Molynes took the fight to Arnett Gardens in the early stages of the match, forcing mistakes from the Arnett Gardens’ defence, which afforded them good looks at the goal. These were missed with wayward finishing.

Arnett Gardens eventually settled and took the lead when captain Romeo Guthrie threaded the Molynes defence with a pass to Renaldo Cephas, whose shot was blocked by goalkeeper Leon Taylor, but the ball ricochet off Stewart and into the goal.

Arnett Gardens maintained the pressure on Molynes United for the rest of the half as they attacked in droves and created several opportunities and, even though hitting the goalpost on the right, they failed to add to their one-goal advantage.

The halftime interval was an inspiration for Molynes as they returned to the pitch on the attack and got the equaliser when Sergeni Frankson beat the Arnett Gardens’ half-side trap with a good diagonal run, just outside the penalty area on the right.

Frankson dribbled to the touchline and his cross inside was spilt by substitute goalkeeper Shaquan Davis, which Nelson pounced on to score.

Starting goalkeeper for Arnett Gardens, Amal Knight was substituted three minutes before the goal after an injury to his hand. Knight is a member of the national football team, the Reggae Boyz.