ARNETT GARDENS’ quest to defend their Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Shield title came to an abrupt end yesterday when they were defeated 4-1 by AC Port of Spain in their final group stage match at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
A brace from Shackiel Henry (24th, 77th minute), an own goal from Joel Jones (64th) and a late strike from Michael Chaves (90th+3) led the goalscoring efforts for Port of Spain. Jones (75th) would see his name listed on both scoresheets, as he bagged Arnett’s consolation effort of the afternoon contest.
The loss meant Arnett missed out on the semifinals of the Caribbean Club Shield, finishing third in Group D behind Port of Spain.
Port of Spain’s six points were only good enough for second as they had a plus-four goal difference, which never allowed them to match Club Franciscain.
Club Franciscain topped the group with six points and a plus-six goal advantage after their 1-0 win over Scholars International.
The other semifinalists are Academy Eagles, who topped Group A, Moca FC, who topped Group B, and Transvaal, who topped Group C.
At the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Henry opened the scoring for Port of Spain when he was left free on the top of the box. With the time and space, the striker picked his spot well and slotted the ball beyond goalkeeper Rohain Williams.
The Trinidadian club doubled their lead in the second half, this time through an own goal from Arnett defender Jones.
A scramble in the box saw Jones inadvertently turning the ball towards his own net and was adjudged to have crossed the line despite a last-ditch clearance.
The Junglists pulled one back, however, as Jones found some redemption, letting loose a bullet in the 75th minute, which had Port of Spain scrambling for a moment.
Arnett’s hopes of a late comeback came crashing down soon after, however, as just two minutes later, Port of Spain restored their two-goal lead.
Henry landed his brace when he was quick to capitalise on a goalkeeping mistake from Williams.
Arnett conceded yet another goal through their own blunders, as slow reactions around the back allowed for Chaves to finish into an empty net.
The result means Arnett’s ambitions for a title defence came to an end as they finished third in Group D, tallying three points.
Dublanc, who edged Doc’s United 2-1 in their final game, were fourth in the group with Scholars International and Doc’s United fifth and sixth respectively.
The final group placings also mean Arnett missed out on a chance to qualify for the Concacaf Caribbean Cup, set to begin in August.
Cavalier and Mount Pleasant Football Academy will be Jamaica’s only representatives in the regional competition.
