Tivoli rally to win

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

League leaders Tivoli Gardens had to come from behind to earn a 2-1 win over cellar-dwellers St Georges in their Digicel Premier League encounter yesterday at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex.

The visitors were given the lead by Romeo Parkes (24th), but Tivoli struck back in the second half courtesy of goals from Jeffrey Grant (69th) and Navion Boyd (81st).

Tivoli Gardens now move further away from the chasing pack on 51 points, six more than Harbour View which started the round in second place, but suffered a surprise defeat at the hands of Reno in their match at Frome. St Georges remain rooted at the foot of the table on 26 points and are still favourites for the drop.

The Portland-based St Georges got off to a sprightly start as they sought to take the attack to their more celebrated opponents. It was, however, Tivoli that got the first scoring opportunity of the game, when in the 13th minute, a major defensive blunder by the St Georges defence saw the ball fall to an unmarked Dane Kelly. The striker had the goal at his mercy but only managed a weak shot from eight yards out, and despite diving the wrong way, St Georges custodian, Randal Huie, was able to make the save.

St Georges were rewarded in the 24th minute for their positive approach when they constructed a beautiful counter-attacking move, which culminated with Richard Watson squaring to an unmarked Parkes on the back post for an easy tap in.

Second half

Tivoli came out looking purposeful in the second half and also made some tactical changes, including the introduction of Owen Powell for Kelly. It was, however, Grant who rose in the 69th minute to head in a right-sided corner by Christopher Jackson to pull his team level.

It however took a brilliant diving one-handed save from Edsel Scott in the 77th minute to prevent Parkes from doubling his tally, as he hammered a shot from just outside the area.

Nevertheless, Tivoli were not to be denied all three points as they found the winning goal in the 81st minute when Huie parried a square by Grant to the feet of Boyd, who guided the ball home from eight yards out to complete the comeback for the West Kingstoners.

Pleased with win

Glendon 'Admiral' Bailey, assistant coach of Tivoli Gardens, despite admitting that his team did not play well, was pleased with the win.

"Sometimes it is not all about playing well or playing pretty, but it is just digging deep and coming away with the three points and I am very pleased that we did that today," Bailey expressed.

St Georges' coach, Geoffrey Maxwell, blamed his defensive unit for the loss.

"I thought the defence played lousy to be very frank, and that is an area that I am going to have to take a serious look into," Maxwell lamented.