Tivoli extend Georges' woes

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

Tivoli Gardens showed they mean business by cruising to a comfortable3-0 win over bottom-place St Georges Sports Club in their Digicel Premier League football encounter at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex yesterday.

Tivoli's goals were scored by Keammar Daley (second), Devon Hodges (11th) and Roland Dean (88th).

St Georges, who have been having a torrid campaign this season, had the worst possible start as Tivoli scored with the first attack of the game.

A beautiful passing move by the orange and black-clad team down the right flank ended with Hodges rolling off a ball just outside the area to Daley. St Georges' keeper, Ralston Robinson, appeared to have had Daley's shot covered, only to see the ball bounce over his outstretched body.

Poor defending

As they conceded a second time, St Georges, which have in past seasons built a reputation for sturdy defending, exhibited the defensive frailties they have been suffering from this season when they made a hash of clearing a rather tame cross. This provided Hodges, who was unmarked on the back post, with the easiest of goals.

Raymond Gordon, assistant coach of St Georges, blamed the two opening goals on technical errors on the part of his players.

"We made two technical errors in the first half where the keeper allowed that one to roll over him and the other one we weren't picking up on the back post," said Gordon. "That allowed Hodges to come in and score that easy chance.

"The players just need to come with that frame of mind and decide to come and play hard and firm football," he added.

Poor quality game

The Portland-based club came closest to pulling a goal back in the 66th minute when substitute Romeo Parkes saw his 30-yard drive tipped on to the left upright by the flying goalkeeper, Edsel Scott.

Tivoli would put the icing on the cake two minutes before full time when Dean netted his first goal of the season. He was the recipient of a pass over the St Georges defence, which beat their offside trap, then calmly lobbed the outrushing Robinson.

Brian Rose, manager of Tivoli Gardens, was happy for the points, but did not believe his team played at its best.

"We didn't play as expected, the quality of the game could have been much better," Rose cited. "I know we can play much better than this but at the same time we are very grateful for the three points.

"It is definitely something to celebrate, scoring three goals against St Georges," he added.

Yesterday's Results

Tivoli 3 St Georges 0Waterhouse 2 Arnett 0Reno 1 Harbour View 2Village 1 Boys' Town 2Sporting 1 Benfica 0Portmore 0 Humble Lion 0