TG close 2023 with workmanlike win

Tivoli Gardens (TG) closed out 2023 in second place in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL), after a 3-1 New Year’s Eve victory over bottom-of-the-table Lime Hall at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex yesterday.

Kimarley Smith gave Tivoli the lead after 11 minutes, but Carlos Campbell equalised in the 22nd minute from the penalty spot.

Alton Lewis restored Tivoli’s advantage before the interval and Rodico Wellington added a late strike, five minutes from time, to seal the win.

“Lime Hall came with a purpose,” said winning coach Jerome Waite. “They put up a stunning fight but, at the end of the day, we were victorious. We didn’t play as expected but we did enough to win the game.”

Although Tivoli were sharper and fitter than their opponents, they squandered a number of good openings and could have won by a bigger margin.

However, Waite was quick to point out that it was not as a result of the opponents they faced, but that it was because of the time of year.

“It is not the opponents. It is the festive season, and we do not have our players in camp. But we hoped that they would be disciplined and eventually we got the job done.

“It’s a good display up to the 12th round (of matches for Tivoli). We have one more (game) to close out the round and we are going to try and win that one,” he added.

Tivoli dominated the early proceedings and took the lead when Smith found space in the area and calmly slotted home.

Tivoli continued to create chances and only a quick reaction from goalkeeper Jaheim Williams denied Justin Dunn a goal at the near post moments later.

However, Lime Hall drew level after 22 minutes when Ronaldo Brown was brought down inside the area, and Carlos Campbell converted the resulting penalty to make it 1-1.

Tivoli regained their lead in the 44th minute when Alton Lewis ran through on a loose ball and lobbed the advancing Williams to put his team up 2-1.

Tivoli continued to control possession and created more openings after the break. But it was Lime Hall who had the clearest early opportunities through Imani Beckford and Ronaldo Hanson.

However, they failed to take their chances and Tivoli killed the game off in the 86th minute when Wellington turned the ball into an empty net after a quick counter-attack.

“The game wasn’t a bad one but the result was horrible,” Lime Hall coach Vanny Clarke stated.

“We are lacking that quality at the end of the pitch when we get into that final third. So it doesn’t matter what we are doing in terms of (team) organisation, at the end of the day, we lack that cutting edge and that is where we are falling short.”

Tivoli are in second place on 24 points, the same as third-place Portmore United. They sit one point behind leaders Mount Pleasant.

Lime Hall remain at the foot of the standings with four points from 12 matches.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Other results:

Montego Bay 2 Harbour View 2

Mount Pleasant 1 Humble Lion 0

Portmore 2 Arnett Gardens 0

Vere 2 Treasure Beach 0

Waterhouse 1 Molynes 1

Cavalier 1 Dunbeholden 0