Tivoli net 'big win'

Yesterday's results

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

The last time Tivoli Gardens defeated Portmore United in National Premier League action, they went on to lift the title.

The defending champions will be hoping that yesterday's intense 1-0 triumph over their title rivals in their top-of-the-table clash at the Edward Seaga Complex will prove to be a positive omen.

It was the hosts' first win against their St Catherine-based foes since April 2009, the same year they claimed their fourth league title, ironically, after beating Portmore United to the top prize on goal difference when the two had closed out the season on 72 points.

Yesterday's match winner came from the most unlikely of sources, as hard-nosed midfielder Raymond 'Hothead' Williamson, unmarked in the penalty box, powered a header beyond goalkeeper Garice McPherson in the 65th minute to hand the visitors their first loss of the season and, in the process, continued Tivoli's unbeaten ways.

Tivoli now move to 14 points, solidifying their lead atop the standings on a day that saw a measly five goals being scored across the league.

Other winners

Humble Lion, Montego Bay United and Arnett Gardens were the only other winners on the day, both securing similar 1-0 results against Highgate, Village and Waterhouse, respectively.

It's a win that clearly meant a lot to Tivoli's head coach Glendon 'Admiral' Bailey, who wore a broad smile at the final whistle, while his players pumped their fists and jumped in jubilation. For a team that is used to winning, not many victories seem to matter more to this bunch.

"It's a big win for the team. We pointed out to the guys that we haven't beaten this team in a long while ... they were the only team that we didn't beat since I took over, so it was an objective that we wanted to accomplish and we managed to do it today," Bailey beamed.

"Psychologically, it was an important win because we wanted to make a statement," Bailey added, before jogging off to meet his team in their customary post-match prayer.

"I think the concentration failed us, we gave up a free header on a set piece and we simply cannot do that," lamented Portmore coach Calvin Lewis.

Lewis also pointed to his team's wayward shooting as a contributing factor.

"It's a matter of concern and we will need to work on that (finishing)," said Lewis.

Portmore's strikers could only manage one shot on target from six attempts, compared to Tivoli's seven on-target strikes from 10 attempts.