The Star (Jamaica)

Lack of goals a big problem for Arnett

- LIVINGSTON SCOTT STAR Writer

After scoring just three goals in five matches, the lowest tally in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL), former champions Arnett Gardens are in ninth spot with just four points. Yesterday Arnett Gardens drew 1-1 with Molynes United after taking the lead and coach Alex Thomas said his team needed a reliable frontman to put away their chances. Thomas blames the lack of goals on the inexperien­ce of his frontmen. However, with no transfer window available until next season, the Arnett coach is forced to get the best out of the players he has.

One player he believes has the potential to get goals consistent­ly is forward Ronaldo Cephas. Cephas has shown glimpses of his ability this season but has scored just one goal, the strike coming in his team’s 2-1 victory against Humble Lion. Thomas says he will be giving the player every chance to come good. “We are definitely short in that (scoring) department. We are trying to put some responsibi­lity on Cephas because we see that he is one that is capable of carrying that load. He is young but we have to keep pushing him. He has not done badly but he has to try and score week in, week out. If he does not score, try to assist,” he said.

He noted also that other JPL clubs have senior players in their ranks to help guide the youngsters and that losing Paul Wilson, Kemal Malcolm and Fabian Reid, just before the start of the season, was a devastatin­g blow to their attacking capabiliti­es. “Before the league started we had Wilson,

Malcolm and Fabian Reid. Reid and Malcolm scored over 20 goals for us last season. Wilson created many chances and scored 10 goals. These (senior) players are now short in numbers. We are working with players who are playing (Premier league) for the first time.”

An own goal by Ackem Stewart gave Arnett the lead in the 20th minute of yesterday’s match. Midway the second half Nicholas Nelson found the equaliser for Molynes.

Thomas thought his team had some good chances to win the game.

“We are creating so many chances but if you don’t score goals you don’t win matches. But these players are improving day by day and we just have to keep working and see if we can find the net,” he said.

Molynes United assistant coach, Andre Daley, felt his team was the better over the contest but, like Thomas, believed his players were very wasteful in front of goal.

“I had a lot of ups and downs, before Trials and after Trials, and for me to come out here and represent my country in this manner, is an amazing feeling. I was determined to push and do my best. I knew I had to come here and give it my all to ensure I advanced to the final.” “I just wanted to make sure I was in the final. I have achieved that through hard work and dedication and I am proud about that,” added Taylor.

GAVE IT HIS ALL

Taylor certainly gave it his all on the track, and had to be wheeled off after developing breathing issues. He was quickly back on his feet and said he is looking to push himself in the final, but will not get caught up in a time or result, but is instead focussed on making the most of the opportunit­y.

“At this moment there is nothing more left to accomplish. My goal was to make the Olympic final and I made it, so it doesn’t matter. Even if I go out there and end up running 47 seconds, I am still going to take a victory lap regardless,” said Taylor.

“I don’t know what will happen, I may not win the final but I have achieved my goal for the year, so I won, personally I won, no one can take that from me,” he added.

The other Jamaican in the semi-final, Demish Gaye, missed out on a spot in the final after finishing fourth in his semi-final in a time of 45.09.

 ?? GLADSTONE TAYLOR ?? Christophe­r Taylor competing in the men’s 400m semi-finals at Tokyo 2020.
GLADSTONE TAYLOR Christophe­r Taylor competing in the men’s 400m semi-finals at Tokyo 2020.
 ?? FILE ?? Alex Thomas
FILE Alex Thomas
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