Pleasant surprise - RSPL newbie stun champs, Arnett, Tivoli and Cavalier also secure wins

Former champions Arnett Gardens were one of four teams to register a win on the opening day of the 2018/2019 Red Stripe Premier League. Fired by goals from Vishinul Harris and Javoni Simms, they defeated Humble Lion 2-1. Craig Foster scored the consolation for Humble Lion.

The newly promoted Mt. Pleasant Academy announced themselves in the league with a 2-1 upset win of defending champions Portmore United at the Prison Oval. Cavalier stopped Reno 2-0 at Frome, and Tivoli Gardens enjoyed a similar result over Montego Bay United at Wespow Park.

At the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, the home team were off to a fast start as the skillful Harris fired them ahead in the second minute. Harris' strike should have been the sign of things to come, as they created and missed a number of chances.

Fabian Reid should have doubled the lead, but after making space for himself, he only managed to find the upright with his left foot. His miss was followed by another from Ricardo Oldham, who grazed the crossbar with his left-sided free kick. Another free kick was wasted as Ranike Anderson could not make connection at the far post.

The missed opportunities were to come back to haunt them as instead of going into the half-time break comfortably ahead, they went in on equal terms.

WASTING CHANCES

The prolific Foster equalised for Humble Lion in the 43rd minute, when he beat goalkeeper Damion Hyatt from the spot. The Clarendonians were let back in the game when midfielder Oldham handled in the box.

Arnett Gardens continued in a similar vein of creating and wasting chances even though Humble Lion were no sitting ducks. Simms restored Arnett's advantage in the 77th minute when he pounced on a rebound from the unlucky Reid, who again struck the upright.

Foster had two sniffs at goal for Humble Lion in the dying minutes. He fired the first just above the crossbar and forced a goalline clearance by Anderson with the second on the stroke of full time to preserve the three points for his team.

Waterhouse will face the promoted Dunbeholden in tonight's feature at Drewsland at 8:35 p.m.