Meadhaven United's coach Alrick Clarke hopes a rare opportunity to smile for the struggling team will translate into more premier league joy in their battle to stay afloat this season, following a 1-0 victory over Arnett Gardens in the Western Union KSAFA Jackie Bell knockout competition at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Thursday.

"Well, survival in the premier league is our ultimate objective, but this was a good win for us because the Jackie Bell is also a very important competition and it's nice to be in the semi-final," Clarke said. "It takes a lot to come and win in the Jungle. The youngsters equipped themselves well today and all credit to them."

Tightly contested game

Meadhaven struck late to knock out the 'Junglists' who have been experiencing somewhat of a revival in the premier league.

Former Calabar schoolboy standout, Lennox Creary, coasted in at the back post to pick up a well-measured cross-field pass, before breaking into the area to fire past Arnett custodian Julian McLeish in the 88th minute.

The tightly contested game had created very few legitimate goalscoring opportunities, but even so, the home team had their fair share.

Striker Kevin Wilson saw his 12th-minute effort, from just inside the 18-yard area, cleared off the line in a crowed 18-yard box; and partner up front, Newton Sterling, although towering above his defenders, failed to get a telling touch on several early mistimed headers.

Glaring miss

Sterling would be guilty of an even more glaring miss in front of the target as midway the second half, unmarked, the striker showed perfect technique in controlling the ball no more than eight yards away from goal, but facing a gaping target booted the ball wide of the frame.

"We had the game to win, it was in our hands," said Arnett's player/coach Fabian Davis. "We also had a very bad passing game today, but even so we created chances that should have been put in the back of the net and we did not take them. So, congratulations to Meadhaven."

Meadhaven will now face defending champions Harbour View, while Tivoli tackle Duhaney Park in next week's semi-finals.