Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

Marcelino Blackburn of Arnett Gardens celebrating his equaliser against the Jamaica Defence Force in a Jackie Bell KO match at Up Park Camp yesterday. The JDF had the last laugh as they went on to triumph 2-1 on penalties. - Ian Allen

The Jamaica Defence Force won the battle of wills when they booted top flight football representatives Arnett Gardens 2-1 on penalties in the Western Union/KSAFA Jackie Bell Knock out competition at Up Park Camp yesterday.

In the day's other fixtures Harbour View emerged 5-3 winners over Bull Bay on penalties after a 1-1 normal time tie, while at Duhaney Park, Santos FC beat the home team 6-5 on penalties after an identical normal time scoreline.

Following a 1-1 score in the JDF, Arnett game as well, jubilant soldiers were quick to point out that they were not worried, because the army never loses in a shoot-out. Well they certainly didn't, but it was an exceptional performance from former National representative Allien Whittaker that had as much to do with their win as anything else.

The custodian came up big to stop shots from both Jonathan Williams and Marlon Benbow to ensure his team's progression to the next round. Kwame Rich-ardson was the only player to find the back of the net for Arnett Gardens in five attempts, while substitute Robert Wright and Cecil Sturridge netted for the JDF. Tex Martin had headed the JDF into the lead in the 16th minute and the army men defended stoutly until three minutes from time.

It was then that the sinewy Marcelino Blackburn, who had in truth always threatened to get his name on the scoresheet came to the rescue of the 'Junglists', who had really managed more than the lion's share of the possession, but could not find the back of the net. Blackburn was the recipient of a kind bounce in the area, but needed no second invitation to fire past a stranded Whittaker in the 87th minute.

Wray and Nephew National Premier League's leading goal scorer Leon Strickland looked to have the game wrapped up three minutes after that but through on goal to find himself one on one with Whittaker blasted high over the bar from the right side of goal.

"We played an entire half of football in the JDF half, but we just could not come up with the goods." said a disappointed Arnett coach Glendon Bailey

Thrilled with the outcome JDF coach Owen Nelson explained his team's game plan.

"We planned to frustrate Arnett Gardens for the first couple of minutes and then look for our opening." the coach remarked.

"They are a Premier League team and we are a Super League team, we knew they would be frustrated when they couldn't get the goals." he added.

Today's Games

Elleston Flats FC vs August Town at UWI Bowl

Olympic Gardens vs Waterhouse at Cling Cling Oval

Meadhaven United vs Tivoli Gardens FC

Cavaliers vs Boys' Town at Constant Spring field

All games begin at 3:00pm