Arnett's Kenneil Hyde congratulates goalscorer Leon Strickland (right) who scored against Cavalier in the Red Stripe Premier League match at the Stadium East yesterday. Arnett Gardens won 1-0. - Ricardo Makyn

MARC STAMP, STAR Writer

Arnett Gardens FC extended their lead in the Red Stripe Premier League with a 1-0 win against struggling Cavalier SC at Stadium East yesterday. It was Arnett's eight straight win in the nation's premier football league.

In-form striker Leon 'Stricky' Strickland scored from close range past Roybert Clarke in the 68th minute. That was Strickland's seventh goal in seven games.

The visitors had the better chances but were let down by faulty shooting, especially by striker Andre Clennon, who missed an open chance from inside the 18-yard area. Cavalier fought hard, but their poor form in front of goal continue, to hurt them.

After an ordinary first half where both teams struggled to make passes, Arnett picked up the tempo in the second half through Clennon, Strickland, Alanzo Adlam and substitute Andrew Phang.

Late in the game

Cavalier had it all to do late in the game after Kamoy Simpson received a second yellow card and was ejected in the 88th minute.

The win pushed Arnett to 38 points, four ahead of second-place Montego Bay United. Harbour View come next on 32 points and Waterhouse are fourth on 31 in the race for the four play-off spots.

Coach of Arnett Gardens, Jerome 'Jerry' Waite, said he knew that it was only a matter of time before his team scored.

"Well, today it was a spirited performance from the team. The games are coming fast so we had to make some adjustment to keep the team fresh," Waite told STAR Sports.

"Our opponent worked hard but it was only a matter of time before we scored. We will continue to work hard and take it game by game," he said.

Meanwhile, Cavalier's coach, Rudolph Speid, blamed the team's loss on an indisciplined backline.

"It was indiscipline from the backline that led to the goal. I am disappointed with the performance," Speid informed.

In another game to complete match day 18 in the RSPL, Boys' Town edged Tivoli Gardens 1-0, courtesy of a goal from defender Carlos Wright.

Yesterday's results:

Cavalier 0 Arnett Gardens 1

Boys' Town 1 Tivoli Gardens 0