Player-coach Fabian Davis was all smiles as his team, Arnett Gardens, overcame a flurry of missed first-half opportunities to carve out a nail-biting 2-1 win over Portland's St Georges in the Digicel Premier League yesterday.

Standing on the sidelines with the game level at 1-1 in time added on and headed for a draw, Davis was given reason to celebrate when in-form striker Kevin 'Pele' Wilson was brought down in the area by defender Banton Gray.

The former Charlie Smith marksman, who last week delivered a killer blow to Meadhaven United, albeit in a different fashion, then stepped up to the spot and, with a powerful blast, sent Arnett Gardens fans wild, much to the joy of Davis, who could not hold back his excitement.

Hard football

"We came out here today to earn these three points and after missing numerous chances, we were able to pull it off," said Davis, whose team has now won five of its last six matches.

"We played 95 minutes of hard football tonight and it brought us three points, so I give the Lord thanks," he added. "We are heading for the top six. From we are able to stay in the top six, I know there is a chance of us winning this championship."

The victory pushed Arnett further up the DPL table to 27 points, 15 off leaders Portmore United (42), but the same as sixth-place Waterhouse, who drubbed Boys' Town 2-1 at Drewsland. St Georges remain fifth on 30 points.

Wilson's last-gasp effort came after a myriad of missed chances, most of which came from either the boot or head of former national youth representative, Leon Strickland, who missed at least five clear-cut, goalmouth opportunites, two of which hit the upright and the crossbar.

Luckily for him though, Loxley Thomas came to Arnett's rescue in the 37 minute with a strike from just inside the area.

This lead lasted only three minutes as Barrington James equalised for the men from Portland.

St Georges coach, Geofferey Maxwell, left the venue following the awarding of the penalty and as such was unavailable for comment.