Highgate hold Tivoli in bruising encounter

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

"We go into every game looking for a win, but I am comfortable with the point today," were the words of Highgate's coach Michael Smith after watching his team grind out a 1-1 draw in the backyard of defending champions Tivoli Gardens, in the Red Stripe Premier League, inside the Edward Seaga Complex last evening.

The result means that Tivoli Gardens, despite remaining unbeaten, have now drawn their sixth game of the campaign; three of those coming at home, while Highgate continue to prove a nuisance on the road, after claiming their fourth draw away from home to move to 12 points.

Tivoli Gardens joined Portmore United, who lost 0-1 in yesterday's late game against Arnett Gardens, at the summit on 18 points, leaving the end-of-round final race in an interesting position with five teams still in the running.

It was not the most attractive game - far from it. In fact, it may well be remembered more for the bruising encounter that it indeed was, with Tivoli Gardens midfielder Marcelino Blackburn having to be rushed to a dentist after suffering what appeared to be a violent elbow, before two of his teammates saw red in the ill-tempered affair.

Things started off on a much brighter note, however, at least for the visitors, who virtually pitched a tent in the Tivoli Gardens half during the early going with a number of promising attacking forays.

Troublesome striker

Highgate striker Dennis Neish was particularly troublesome for the promoted St Mary-based outfit, first showing his intentions in the 11th minute when his left-footed volley from inside the penalty box was deflected wide of the post, and then a second volley in the 18th minute whistled over the crossbar, much to the agony of the massive travelling support.

Midfield puppeteer Richard Orrett didn't have his best game, but he was in on the act early on, going close himself with a fierce right-footed pile-driver.

The hosts appeared uncharacteristically hospitable and Highgate made the most of the space they were afforded. It was little surprise that Neish was the one doing the damage, after the busy-bodied striker capitalised on some good work from Romeo Parkes down the left flank to force his header into the back of the net.

However, before the Highgate supporters could properly celebrate their lead, Tivoli Gardens talisman Navion Boyd stole the show with an absolute gem two minutes later.

Boyd, a national representative, showed his class, rounding his marker before unleashing an unstoppable right-footed strike from outside the penalty area, leaving poor goalkeeper Rodney Hamilton a mere spectator.

Things went sour soon afterwards when Blackburn was elbowed by a Highgate player in an off-the-ball incident and had to be rushed to a dentist.

The second half was an entirely different encounter with tackles and bodies flying everywhere.

It was little surprise when Tivoli's Shawn McKoy saw red in the 60th minute after striking Gawayne Speed in the face. He was later joined in the dressing room by the hard-tackling Raymond Williamson who flew in to chop down Speed in added time.

Tivoli's assistant coach Alvin Shaw was not too concerned with his team's apparent lack of discipline.

"It was a very aggressive game and sometimes these things happen when the temper of the game is like this. It is not what we wanted but it's a part of the game," said Shaw. "It was a competitive game and while the result is not what we wanted I am satisfied."