Even though both coaching staffs would have preferred to walk away with an edge, they found consolation in the fact that everything is still to play for after Arnett Gardens and Cavalier battled to a 1-1 draw in a fiercely competitive first-leg semi-final of the Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall on Thursday.
In a game marked by intensity, tactical duels, and missed chances, it was Jerome McCleary who gave Cavalier the early advantage in the 27th minute before league-leading scorer Warner Brown struck back for Arnett Gardens in the 81st, ensuring the tie remains finely balanced heading into Sunday’s decisive second leg at Sabina Park.
Despite the deadlock, both camps walked away with contrasting emotions—tinged with disappointment, yet buoyed by the belief that the tie is still wide open.
Cavalier head coach Rudolph Speid admitted his team lacked the clinical edge needed to take full control of the tie.
"This is our 96th game in one year and 10 months, and we were not able to put away some of the chances we got,” Speid said after the match.
"It is not the best result but not the worst either. So we just have to try to recover as best as possible and give it our best on Sunday," he added.
On the opposite side, Arnett's head coach, Xavier Gilbert, cut a frustrated figure as he rued his team’s sluggish start.
"I am disappointed with how we played, especially in the first half. Cavalier were smart in terms of their approach. I always say they are a team that finds a way to get a result, so we definitely have to fix a lot of things heading into the game on Sunday because I don’t think we handled the situation well," he said.
However, Gilbert was relieved to see his side still in the fight.
"I am happy that we are still in it heading into Sunday’s game," Gilbert declared.
Cavalier looked the sharper of the two sides throughout the contest, as they pressed Arnett’s backline and dictated the pace, particularly in the first half. Dwayne "Busy" Atkinson was instrumental in that dominance, proving a constant menace with his movement and creativity.
It was Atkinson who won possession along the left channel and floated a perfectly weighted cross into the box for McCleary, who rose highest to steer his header beyond Jadavin Waul for a deserved lead.
Though both teams managed six and five shots, respectively, in the first half, only one apiece was on target, summing up a cagey but absorbing encounter. Arnett eventually ended with 10 attempts, but only two on target, while Cavalier managed seven, three of which went on target.
Cavalier resumed the second half just as lively, with their crisp passing and coordinated movement troubling Arnett’s defensive shape. In the 54th minute, Dwayne Allen delivered a teasing pass into the danger area, but Jahmilhio Ritgers, arriving a fraction late, failed to make contact.
Arnett’s best moment prior to their goal came through Kimani Arbouine, whose cross into the box forced Vino Barclett into a nervy moment, but the Cavalier goalkeeper was bailed out by his defenders.
In the 77th, Ritgers turned creator, as he shook his marker before whipping in a dangerous cross for Atkinson. However, the forward’s diving header lacked the venom to beat Waul.
One minute later, Atkinson again drew attention when he weaved his way into the box and was brought down under pressure. The Cavalier bench cried for a penalty, but referee Neressa Goldson waved away the appeals.
Then came the moment Arnett had been waiting for.
With just under 10 minutes left in regulation, Jeremy Nelson unleashed a shot that was charged down by Cavalier's captain Richard King inside the box. But the ball rolled past King, who was slow to get back on his feet, and Brown reacted quickest and rifled home his 22nd goal of the season to gift the Arnett faithful something to celebrate.