Arnett dedicate latest win to English
Arnett Gardens coach Alex Thomas said the team dedicated their 1-0 win over Cavalier at Stadium East on Monday to former assistant coach Irvino English, who was gunned down in his community of Waterhouse last Wednesday.
Steve Clarke scored the game’s only goal after 76 minutes, in a game which Arnett Gardens received five yellow cards.
Thomas said his players had committed themselves to winning the game in memory of English, and the bookings were just an indication of the effort and ‘fight’ the players gave to get the result.
“It was a crucial win last (Monday) night, but hats off to the players, they were the ones, after the passing of English and we had a meeting to decide if they wanted to play the game or put off the game, that took the decision to play the game and do it for coach English, and they did.
“You could see the fighting spirit, the effort, the teamwork, and praise must go to them because we came out victorious, and that put us back in good stead. Now we have to keep going for these last few games,” he said.
In recent weeks, Arnett have been slowly losing ground in the race to secure a top-six spot in the league. Last week, they slipped out of the top half, but put themselves back in play-offs contention with the result against Cavalier. And although they continue to grieve their loss, it has served as a big motivation for the players for the remainder of the season.
“It’s a blessing in disguise because these players love English so dearly. He was a brother, a father and a coach to them, so the passing of English is pushing the players to raise their game and performance, and you could see it in their play last (Monday) night. It was a job well done.
“But he (English) will always be with us, and whenever we take the field he will drive us and we will continue to work for him. May his soul rest in peace,” he added.
Arnett are sixth with 41 points from 28 games, one ahead of Tivoli, five more than Cavalier, and six points in front of Harbour View.