Tivoli Gardens look to stop BT's three-peat

Robert Bailey, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Defending champions Boys' Town and Tivoli Gardens will square off in today's feature semi-final match in the Flow Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Champions Cup knockout at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex starting at 6 p.m.

In the opening game of the double-header at 3 p.m., a re-energised St Georges Sports Club will face a tricky contest when they oppose the tournament's surprise team Sandals Whitehouse.

Boys' Town, who are second behind Tivoli in the Premier League standings, are seeking their third consecutive hold on the island's premier knockout trophy.

Interestingly, both teams are also scheduled to meet in the final game of the Premier League in two weeks. Andrew Price, coach of Boys' Town, said his team is very confident ahead of today's encounter.

"We are to face them after this game on another occasion, but we are taking this game seriously and we are looking for the three-peat," said Price.

"To be honest, we are just looking to take it one game at a time. We have set the simple objective of not losing anymore games this season and that is what we are working towards," Price said. "Even if winning the game is a psychological advantage that will not be our focus right now. We are looking towards getting back into the final to defend our title and Tivoli are an obstacle in our path." Boys' Town, who will see a few players returning for the encounter, including the inspirational playmaker, Oneil Thompson, have the edge as it relates to matches played this season, winning two of three, but it is Tivoli who won the last encounter.

Tivoli, who have their destiny in their own hands with a three-point lead in the Premier League, are targeting the league and cup double.

"It is a part of our goal. At the beginning of this season, we had targeted both cups and we plan to go out there and give it our best shot," said Tivoli coach Alvin Shaw.

"They are a quality team and the defending champions so we will just be looking to get out there and work hard," he said.

Shaw added: "To be honest with you, I don't think it will have a bearing on the two premier league games left, this competition is treated quite differently, but it is just as important to us."

The west Kingston-based Tivoli will be relying on the likes of in-form national striker Navion Boyd, along with midfielder Keammar Daley and veteran defender Kasai Hinds, to lead their charge for a victory.

In the day's other game, St Georges, despite a dismal showing for most of the season, will fancy their chances of finishing with some consolation but must first get by Sandals.

Sandals have already registered one upset this tournament by ousting Super League team Santos in the last round.