Tivoli face uphill task for three in a row

TIVOLI GARDENS go into their Jamaica Premier League (JPL) game this afternoon at Stadium East at 3 o’clock, looking for a third straight win. To do that, however, they have to beat leaders Dunbeholden, who are unbeaten in nine matches.

With wins over Vere and Montego Bay United, Tivoli climbed from eighth to sixth with 21 points, and currently occupy the last play-off spot.

While victory over Vere and Montego Bay United would have been expected, getting three points against the league leaders is a whole other matter.

Still, Johnson said the team is prepared to give what it takes to get those three points.

“This is going to be a tough one. They are leading the league, so we have to come all out and come hard from the start and try to do the right things we did in training all week and try to adapt to what they may bring to the table.

“We have to be focused and confident and try to get the three points,” he said.

He said although the St Catherine side has shown very little weakness, his team is feeling rejuvenated from its recent results and will do all it can to continue its winning run.

“They will come with their strengths and we will have to try to find the weaknesses in their team although there’s not much weakness, but we have to see what we can do and try to get the three points. We have to go out and do what we have to do and don’t worry about them.

“Wins give you confidence to do better. It will not be an easy one, it will be hard and we will have to fight for it. But hopefully everything comes together for us,” he said.

Since their defeat to Arnett in the seventh round, Dunbeholden have won all but one of their nine games.

They beat Tivoli 1-0 in the first round but have added Peter McGregor since, making them even more difficult opposition.

However, team manager Andrew Christie noted that Tivoli always present a difficult challenge.

“We bring out the best in Tivoli. The first time we played them, they were on a seven-game losing streak but they beat us.

“The last time we played them they were having a tough spell but that was our hardest game this season.

“So we are aware of Tivoli. They have gotten some unfortunate results but they have played good football. They are on a winning streak and trying to make it three straight, so we know they will be coming,” he said.

“They are in the top six for the first time and will want to maintain that position. So it will not be a foregone conclusion. We will have to execute the coach’s instructions and be prepared for what they will throw at us.”

Dunbeholden lead the league with 38 points, two more than Waterhouse and seven clear of Arnett Gardens.

In the other game at Stadium East, Portmore take on Harbour View at 5:15 p.m.

While at the Catherine Hall Sport complex, Vere play Cavalier at 3 p.m. and Arnett oppose MoBay United at 5:15 p.m.

Today’s Games

Game Venue Time

Vere vs Cavalier Catherine Hall 3 p.m.

Arnett Gardens vs MoBay Utd Catherine Hall 5:15 p.m.

Tivoli vs Dunbeholden Stadium East 3 p.m.

Portmore vs Harbour View Stadium East 5:15 p.m.

Tomorrow’s Games

Game Venue Time

Waterhouse vs Humble Lion Stadium East 5 p.m.

Molynes United vs Mount Pleasant Stadium East 7:30 p.m.