Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

STRIKER RAFIEK Thomas struck twice to propel defending champions Harbour View to a last-minute 2-1 win over Arnett Gardens in the second round of the COK Champions Cup at the Harbour View Mini-Stadium on Tuesday night.

Following a goalless first half, Thomas opened the scoring in the 50th minute. An expertly-crafted pass from the centre of the pitch by midfielder Waheem Walker saw the ball delivered to the striker right on the edge of the area and his finish was just as exquisite as he blasted past Arnett custodian Allan Reid.

However, in a competitive fixture the 'Junglists' would not be silenced that easily and veteran striker Kevin Wilson's glancing header from an Andre Thomas' cross brought them level in the 73rd minute. The game would, however, end in heartbreak for struggling Arnett, as deep into injury time, with extra time seeming a certainty, Walker and Thomas linked up a second time.

This time Walker, with just as much quality as the first pass, found a streaking Thomas eight yards from goal and, with a gentle touch, which sent keeper Reid the wrong way, Thomas ended Arnett's night.

Disappointing result

"This is a very disappointing result for us. It's hard to believe that we would concede a goal with such little time left in the game," said Arnett coach Jerome Waite."I thought we played well but we just lost our concentration towards the end of the game," he said.

According to Harbour View coach Lenworth Hyde, the win was a good one for the 'Stars of the East' as far as rebuilding team spirit was concerned.

"We were a bit down but I think that the vibes in the camp are back now and our target is just to win the rest of the games," Hyde said.

"Recently we have had a problem with finishing chances we create but it nice to see that it wasn't a problem today," he said.

The competition will continue with five games scheduled for today.

TODAY'S GAMES