LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

Waterhouse's Weston Forrest (centre) dribbles between Arnett Gardens' Everton Bunsie (left) and Kowri Pickersgill during their Cash Plus Premier League football match at Drewsland Mini Stadium yesterday. Waterhouse won 2-1. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Waterhouse burnt Arnett Gardens 2-1 in an emotionally charged game yesterday at the Drewsland Mini Stadium.

Tempers flared on the pitch between players and Arnett Gardens coach Max Straw was ejected in the second half as the two rivals battled for crucial points in the Cash Plus Premier League.

Waterhouse remain third with 23 points, while Arnett Gardens slipped to 10th on 15 points.

Arnett Gardens, playing without striker Leon Strickland, who will be heading to Waterhouse, went behind when Irvino English delivered a perfect pass from midfield which curled into Brian Wollaston running on the right side. Wollaston collected the ball in the area and had no problems beating custodian Julian McLeish in the 51st minute. His fourth goal of the season was followed by his trademark somersault.

Short celebration

Waterhouse celebrations were short-lived, however, as Horace Sharpe unexpectedly unleashed a cracker from just outside the 18-yard box six minutes later. His shot appeared to have taken a deflection off a defender's leg, making it tricky for goalkeeper Richard McCallum as the ball swerved away.

Second-half substitute Kevin Lamey had an impact on the game as soon as he made his entry, and one of his telling attacks resulted in the second goal as he was fouled in the penalty box. English muffed his first penalty shot, kicking it over the crossbar, but was allowed to retake it, as goalkeeper McLeish was ruled to have been off his line at the time of the kick. English made no mistake the second time around in the 73rd minute, but the referee's decision drew the ire of the Arnett Gardens staff. Straw was subsequently ejected for what the referee termed "abusive language".

Arnett Gardens captain Everton Bunsie said his team enjoyed the competitiveness of the match, but had no kind words for the referee, whose every decision was protested.

"The officiating is poor and as you see, it cost us the game, but outside of that it was a good game because both teams played good, tactical football," said Bunsie.

Waterhouse - 2

Brian Wollaston 51st,

Irvino English 73rd

Arnett Gardens - 1

Horace Sharpe 57th