Tivoli seek to rebound against archrivals Arnett

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

Tivoli Gardens will today aim to rebound from their humiliating opening-round defeat, when they play archrivals Arnett Gardens in Claro Champions League Zone A action at the UWI Bowl.

The match, the first of a double-header, is slated to commence at 2 p.m.

Tivoli, who were last season's Premier League runners-up, suffered a shock 3-0 defeat to Super League champions Cavalier in their last outing, and a second consecutive defeat could put them in danger of missing out on the semi-finals.

Tivoli's coach, Alvin Shaw, has identified his team's shortcoming and expects a better showing.

"We have discussed the last game and identified the major problem, which was shooting and scoring goals," said Shaw. "We worked on that in training yesterday (Thursday), so I hope to see an improvement."

He further believes the rivalry will help to motivate his players.

Interesting encounter

"The Arnett-Tivoli game has always been a very interesting encounter. Both teams always give 100 per cent, and the fact that it is Arnett will motivate the players."

Arnett Gardens have it all to play for as they have not garnered a point in two games. Their opening encounter against the University of the West Indies (UWI) ended 2-1 in their favour, on the field of play. However, they were docked the three points in the boardroom after being found to have used seven ineligible players. This was followed by a 3-1 loss to Waterhouse.

Wayne Fairclough, coach of Arnett, is hoping for a morale-boosting win against their opponents.

"We need a morale-boosting victory against Tivoli Gardens," said Fairclough. "We approach all games to win them and with a sense of pride, so we are still going there to win.

"It will be a game of intrigue, suspense and a great deal of ball artistry. Both teams have plenty to play for due to the social climate that both teams are in," he added.

In the second game, which is scheduled to start at 4 p.m., hosts UWI will do battle against Waterhouse.

The Drewsland team is just a win away from the semi-finals, and based on early form should progress easily. They scored a convincing 3-1 victory over Arnett Gardens in their most recent outing.

The action will switch to Collie Smith Drive tomorrow, when the Zone B teams honour their fixtures as the two teams to progress from the zone sealed qualification in Thursday's fixtures at Harbour View Mini Stadium.

Harbour View and Boys' Town will meet to decide the group winners at 4 p.m., having already booked their place in Thursday's semi-finals.

Harbour View, on the back of goals from Marcelino Blackburn (49th), Andre Fagan (61st) and Nicholas Beckett (78th), blanked August Town 3-0. Boys' Town secured an easy 4-0 win over Seaview Gardens, thanks to goals from Dean Thompson (19th), Renae Lloyd (53rd, 56th) and Michael Campbell (58th).

Tomorrow's top-of-the-table clash will be preceded by the match-up between August Town and Seaview at 2 p.m.