Jabloteh stop Arnett Gardens; Connection draw

CL FINANCIAL San Juan Jabloteh put on a clinical performance against Arnett Gardens, winning their  first leg semi-final in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) qualifying series  at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

The T&T Pro League kings whipped their Jamaican opponents 3-1. Also on Wednesday night, defending champs W Connection were held to a goalless draw against another Jamaican club Portmore United, at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella. Arnett Gardens showed early signs of dominance, with a Keith Kelly shot missing the mark by inches after just two minutes,  while a Garth Botta attempt was denied by an Ansil Elcock challenge in the 11th. But Jabloteh seized control of proceedings, and opened the scoring in the 21st when Otis Seaton (Aurtis Whitley) collected a long ball from Elcock on the right, eluded defender O’Neil Dunn and shot through the grasp of goalkeeper Julian McLeish.

McLeish looked uncertain between the uprights, and he was forced to parry two Kerry Baptiste blasts in the 24th and 35th, while Trent Noel’s 36th minute attempt was blocked and Cyd Gray’s drive was denied in the 38th. But Jabloteh’s persistence will pay off in the 40th when Seaton was sent clear by fellow midfielder Noel and chipped the advancing McLeish.. Cornell Glen saw his 44th minute header sail wide, but the national striker atoned for his error in the 50th, collecting a long ball from Seaton, he shot past a flat-footed McLeish. A Devon Mitchell 64th strike was disallowed by St Lucian referee Enrico Wijngaarde for an infringement during the play but the Jamaicans got their consolation in the 67th.

A Ray Graham diagonal cross met Botta on the left and, seeing goalkeeper Kelvin Jack off his line, sent a lob which caught the defence, and the crowd by surprise. Josh Johnson saw his 87th minute chip rebound off the crossbar but the result was never in doubt for the TT Pro League leaders. Connection will host Portmore United at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella from 6 pm today in second leg action while Arnett welcomes Jabloteh at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, Jamaica next Wednesday. And semifinal winners will battle for the CFU’s berth to the 2004 Champions Cup at a date to be determined.