Watch: Arnett Gardens seal matchday 17 with 1-0 win over Montego Bay

Arnett Gardens edged Montego Bay United 1-0 in their second-leg clash on Monday, capping matchday 17 of the Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.

Joel Jones netted the decisive goal in the seventh minute, avenging Arnett’s first-round loss to Montego Bay on October 7.

Montego Bay United had a golden chance to equalize in the 70th minute when they were awarded a penalty for a handball in the box. However, captain Owayne Gordon’s effort was saved by goalkeeper Roje Williams.

The win propelled Arnett to second in the standings with 37 points, moving ahead of Montego Bay United. Both teams entered the match tied on points but separated by goal difference.

Arnett also extended their unbeaten streak to four games while halting Montego Bay’s six-match unbeaten run.

Arnett coach Xavier Gilbert expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting the importance of the result. "I am happy that we earned three points and claimed second place for ourselves,” Gilbert said. "The message to the team throughout was to ensure that we didn’t concede and to manage the game. I think we did that well for a period, but there were times when we weren’t at our best. We knew it would be tough because we have players in unfamiliar positions, and we understand it will take time for them to adjust. However, we have to trust the process and ensure we continue this push."

Montego Bay coach Rodolfo Zapata expressed disappointment with the result but praised his team’s effort.

"It was an exciting game. I think we deserved a draw, but that’s just how football is," Zapata said. "We tried different tactics during the game, but we couldn’t break through. Still, it was a good match, and that’s what I expect from big clubs—they should entertain. Our supporters should be very proud of the players and the attitude they showed."

In Monday’s earlier match, Mount Pleasant Football Academy held off Racing United 3-2 to secure their eighth consecutive victory and move to 40 points, maintaining a three-point lead at the summit.

Despite playing with 10 men after Shaquille Dyer was sent off early in the second half, Mount Pleasant surged to a 3-0 lead before withstanding a late fightback from 11th-place Racing United.

Matchday 17 Results

Sunday
Harbour View FC 1, Humble Lion FC 1
Vere Phoenix United FC 0, Portmore United FC 2
Dunbeholden United FC 0, Cavalier SC 2
Chapelton Maroons FC 0, Molynes United FC 0
Waterhouse FC 0, Tivoli Gardens FC 1

Monday
Racing United FC 2, Mount Pleasant FA 3
Arnett Gardens FC 1, Montego Bay United FC 0

Videos courtesy of SportsMax TV.