Leon Strickland, a striker with a team to bear

Arnett Gardens has not been scoring goals but Leon Strickland, though only scoring five this season, could be the man to change their fortunes in front of the net.

The striker was in the running's for leading goalscorer last season until his head got in the way of his talent and he walked out on the team for a few matches. When he came back he was a shadow of himself and never got back into the grove of things. As a result, Arnett Gardens suffered.

This season, Strickland seems to be working hard and should start scoring goals soon. Once he starts he is difficult to stop. From his days at St. Jago High School, the striker was notorious for having almost unrivalled acceleration and tremendous skill.

He has added an eye for goal to that and has cemented himself as a starter in the Arnett team once he is fit and not in any hot water with the management.

At 25-years-old some have forgotten about Strickland but his pace and power are nothing to frown at. While a national team call-up is not likely at this time, it must be remembered that he has international quality and was a member of the National Under-23s.

In 2006 Strickland made his debut for Jamaica as a substitute against Peru and while he did not score, his industry and will to do the dirty work was admirable. Even at that level his pace bothered the naturally quick Peruvian players and his directness meant he got chances.

For Arnett to do well, this industry has to become commonplace. The striker will need some help from his supporting cast, who can play beautiful football, to do just that.

Once Arnett can get the ball to Strickland while he faces the goal his opposition will be in trouble.

That was true against Boys’ Town on October 21 and it was again true against Reno on December 19.

It is not easy for a striker to play with his back to the goal all the time and those that have mastered the art, are among the best in the World. Strickland doesn’t do very well with his back to the goal but his saving grace is the fact that he finds ways of turning and facing his markers.

Thus it is my warning to all comers not to give the diminutive striker any space, he thrives on it. 

What is even more important to note is that once you have made a mistake and allowed Strickland’s confidence to grow, he doesn’t just score once.