Big clash at Tivoli

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

First end-of-round finalists, Tivoli Gardens and Waterhouse, who sit first and second, respectively, in the 12-team table, will once again take centrestage when they meet today in the 19th round of the Digicel Premier League at the Edward Seaga Complex.

The match is slated to begin at 5 p.m.

Tivoli, for whom Devon Hodges has been scoring fairly often lately, should enter the encounter high on confidence after hammering their opponents 5-1 in the first end-of-round final. Waterhouse were a wounded unit at the time, as prior to the game they had lost the services of their coach, Baris Johnson, and had several key players injured.

Johnson returned after issues between himself and the club's management were settled.

Things have, however, not been the same for Johnson and his team, which won eight of their 11 opening-round encounters. They have only managed two victories from seven second-round starts, with the latest coming on Sunday when they clipped Humble Lion 1-0, thanks to a Kevin Lamey diving header.

Lamey and company will go in search of an early goal at the complex, as Tivoli have not been able to come from behind to earn even a point all season.

Waterhouse utilised a three-prong attack in Sunday's encounter for the second time this season to great effect and according to Johnson, this system might also be employed in today's game.

"We kind of employed it just to add a bit more in terms of an option in attack," Johnson disclosed. "Come tomorrow (today) we might do the same, but our emphasis for tomorrow (today) is looking at how well we transition and have possession of the ball. I think if we can transition well and stay focused on the pitch we should get a favourable result."

He added: "What happened in the past is the past and we are just looking forward to the game and going there to play one of our 'A' games to try and gain the three points."

The Drewsland-based team got the better of Tivoli in their first-round league encounter 1-0, but this marked only their fifth league win over their rivals in their last 19 league meetings.

However, Alvin Shaw, assistant coach of Tivoli Gardens, is not focusing on the history of results.

Difficult game

"The past results will not have an effect on how we approach the game," Shaw informed. "Despite those results, even the end-of-round final, Waterhouse is still a quality opponent, so you cannot under-estimate them.

"It is going to be a very difficult game, they won on Sunday and I am sure it has motivated them and they are going to try and keep that momentum going, so I know they are coming to Tivoli to play a real hard game and we are preparing ourselves for that," he added.

Leaders Tivoli, who have 36 points, two more than their opponents will also be looking to rebound from their 2-0 away loss to third-place Portmore United (33 points) on Sunday.

"Yes, we are looking to bounce back, without a doubt," Shaw stated. "We went through the points standing and we know tomorrow's game is very important for us to maintain the lead," he added.

Today's Games

Humble Lion vs St Georges at Effortville Community Centre at 3 p.m.

Tivoli Gardens vs Waterhouse at Edward Seaga Complex at 5 p.m.

Village United vs Reno at Jarrett Park at 6:30 p.m.

Portmore United vs Sporting Central Academy at Ferdie Neita Park at 7 p.m.

Arnett Gardens vs Benfica at Anthony Spaulding Complex at 5:30 p.m.

Boys' Town vs Harbour View at Anthony Spaulding Complex at 7:30 p.m.