Late Thompson strike earns 2-1 win for TG

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

Jameel Thompson came up with the goods for Tivoli Gardens with a last-minute strike to give the defending champions a come-from-behind 2-1 win over promoted Montego Bay United, formerly Seba, at the Edward Seaga Complex in the first round of games in the 2011/2012 National Premier League season.

Montego Bay United took a 52nd minute lead when one of Tivoli's new signings, Mitchily Waul, made a horrible back pass to his goalkeeper, which was intercepted by Wilfred Smith who easily rounded Deron Ducan before tapping in.

Waul redeemed himself in the 74th minute when his shot from distance was parried by Montego Bay United's custodian Neil Lynch. Navion Boyd was the first to react for a simple finish.

Montego Bay United tempered their attacking play as they looked to hold on for a draw but cometh the hour, cometh the man, as Thompson was well placed in the last minute of stoppage time to direct home a Kemar Flemmings cross.

Working hard

"I have been working hard for the last three months of training, so I think I deserved this goal today," Thompson said.

The 28-year-old who has played at Tivoli for the past six years is looking forward to his team retaining its title, but also has other ambitions.

"I want to score six goals this season and I am working hard to make national coach Whitmore see my talent, as I want to play on the national team before my career is finished," Thompson said. "For the last three years I have been playing well, and the last time we won the title (2009), I scored six goals and I got top left player for that season and I did not get a call, but I am still working," he added.

Tivoli's coach Glendon 'Admiral' Bailey was pleased with his team's improved showing in the second half.

"We worked especially hard when we went one goal down, we stepped up the intensity of the game and we moved around the ball much better than in the first half, so I am very pleased with the second half, Bailey said.