Tivoli, Jose Marti meet in pivotal game

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

Tivoli Gardens Comprehen-sive High School will welcome Jose Marti High in a Group B encounter, which could go a far way in deciding which of the teams progress to the next round, as return round matches kick off this afternoon in the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Pepsi/ Digicel Manning Cup urban area senior schoolboy football competition. Game time is set for 3:30 p.m.

In the same group, last year's beaten finalist Bridgeport Comprehensive High, are in pole position, having amassed 10 points from their opening four games.

Tivoli currently lie second in the group on six points, as a result of one win and three draws. One of these draws came against Jose Marti in the opening round when they played to a two-all draw.

First-leg games

A number of first-leg games are, however, yet to be contested following the postponement of a number of matches last week due to adverse weather conditions.

Today's game will mark the first time in five years that Tivoli will be hosting a game on the school grounds.

"I got a call Saturday morning at training saying that Mr Seaga had stopped games playing at Railway," Tivoli's coach Dave Clarke said.

"Maybe it is a blessing in disguised because it gives us the opportunity to shift it (the game) to the school and we are looking for the support from the students. We need the support to win, as this is a game we have to win," he added.

First in history

Jose Marti sit third in the group on four points, having endured two defeats to go along with one win and a draw. One of these drawn results, which came against Tivoli, marked the first time in the school's history that they were taking points off the west Kingston school.

Jose Marti's coach, Calvert Fitzgerald, is going all out for three points in the encounter.

"This game is going to be a pivotal game, so we have to approach it positively and we have to definitely go for three points," said Fitzgerald.

"We can't play hold back in this game, we just have to try and beat Tivoli at home," he added.

Games on

Group B:- Tivoli vs Jose Marti, Bridgeport vs Vauxhall

Group D:- Norman Manley vs Mona, Holy Trinity vs STATHS, Penwood vs Meadowbrook

Group F:- Tarrant vs St Catherine, Hydel vs KC, Campion vs Eltham