Tivoli clip Georges at Lynch Park

Gareth Davis Sr, Gleaner Writer

Leaders Tivoli Gardens left Lynch Park celebrating on Wednesday following their hard-fought 1-0 victory over St Georges, courtesy of a Devon Hodges strike in the 59th minute of their Digicel Premier League encounter.

"We knew it was going to be a difficult game," said Alvin Shaw, assistant coach of Tivoli. "Our training was focused on this particular game, and it was rather difficult. We got the desired result, but Georges played well. It is always going to be tough at Lynch Park."

The first half was evenly contested with both teams pressing forward, with Tivoli, in particular, through Kwame Richardson, Jameel Thompson and Hodges. Home team St Georges countered through Dever Orgill, the skilful Leon Irving, the overlapping Jermaine Taylor and Richardo Watson.

Robbed by poor finish

Poor finishing, however, robbed both teams of an early lead.At the start of the second half, St Georges started to push players forward and brought the crowd into the match with some slick passes.

Tivoli broke deadlock in the 59th minute. Kemar Flemmings' pass into the 18-yard box brought some hesitancy from St Georges under-21 goalkeeper Romaine Bowers, and Hodges pounced and easily lobbed the ball over the custodian for what turned out to be the winning goal.

St Georges had a penalty shout in the 62nd minute when Irving got by three players and was brought down in the box, but the pleas of the players were dismissed by the referee. Losing coach Geoffrey Maxwell said that it was a much-improved effort on the part of his players who, he thought, gave up a soft goal.

"We had our chances," he said. "The goalkeeper could have easily collected that ball; however, we have to move on. After losing five games in the second round it is cause for concern. Tivoli played well, but I believe my team is getting back to full fitness."