Hinds' header keeps TG in lead

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

An 86th minute glancing header from central defender and captain, Kasai Hinds, guided Tivoli Gardens to a 1-0 win over Sporting Central Academy in their Digicel Premier League clash at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex yesterday.

The goal kept Tivoli gardens atop the standings on 44 points. They had started the day jointly on 41 with Portmore United, which hosted Village United in last night's late game. Sporting Central remained sixth on 33 points.

In a game that was worth watching, Hinds' header came about after several attacks by the home team, which was gifted a one-man advantage when Sporting's forward Oneke Ford was issued a red card for elbowing in the 58th minute.

"My goalkeeper (Edsel Scott) always tell me to go up and try to get a header in whenever we have a corner or free kick and today it paid off," said an ecstatic Hinds, who was flocked by fans after the game.

First goal

"It's my first goal for the season and to know that it turned out to be the winner is even more pleasing."

The match, which was expertly handled by St Elizabeth referee Dwight Royal, who was very consistent with his calls, saw both teams cancelling out each other in the first half with slick passing, tight marking and 50-50 chances up front.

The tempo lifted in the second half and with none of the teams willing to give each other room, harsh, rough tackles became the order of the day.

This then resulted in Ford's dismissal.

With Sporting on the back foot, Tivoli then made every effort to increase the pressure but with time running out, the game looked all but set for a draw.

The last laugh

However, with their home supporters cheering them on, Tivoli were to have the last laugh when Hinds, left unmarked in the area rose high to head home a free kick from near the penalty spot.

"Yes, we lost, but I thought it was a classic performance by my team," said Sporting's coach, Donovan Duckie.

"We fought well and had a few chances to take the lead, but in the end we were undone by too many fouls on our part, which eventually led to the goal.

"But as I said we are a classy team and losing for us is temporary. We will bounce back," Duckie added.