Tivoli Gardens bag three crucial points in come-from-behind win

A close and enthralling Jamaica Premier League match at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex yesterday ended in a narrow 3-2 win for hosts Tivoli Gardens over Waterhouse.

The winners had to came from behind twice to earn the three points. Tivoli moved up to seventh spot on 39 points and pushed Waterhouse down to eighth with 38.

Tivoli coach Jerome Waite praised his team after their crucial victory against formidable opponents.

"Waterhouse, a couple games ago, were in sixth and they lost their last game. So we knew they would come and put up a big fight because they want to see if they can get back. But Tivoli are in a position where we need to challenge for the sixth spot and what we did today speaks volumes."

He also credited his offence with the likes of Anthony Nelson, Lennox Russell and Nichalia Fuller, and substitute Steve Clarke leading the way.

"It was the offence that got things going. However, the defence also did fairly well. It is unfortunate we gave up two goals. But it wasn't a situation where the game was difficult. Although Waterhouse were leading 2-1, it was a matter of how many opportunities we could create," he said.

Nicholas Hamilton fired Waterhouse ahead after 12 minutes but Tivoli would soon overcome their sluggish start and after a couple close misses, Shaquille Jones restored parity in the 35th minute.

The home team took full control after the break and had good openings through Zackrie Wilks, Barrington Pryce and Nelson. However, it was Waterhouse who went back in front when Diego Haughton parried a free kick, and Elvis Wilson reacted well to put his team 2-1 up.

However, Tivoli cancelled that advantage immediately from kick off, as Clarke picked up a pass on the right and delivered a precise cross for Nelson to score from two yards.

Waterhouse found it tough to cope with Tivoli's pace, and, in added time, Russell was on hand to stab home another right side cross to send the Edward Seaga Complex into a frenzy.

Waterhouse coach Marcel Gayle blamed the inexperience of his defence for the defeat.

"The maturity and leadership around there (defence), I think we could have done much better. We weren't covering properly and it cost us three points.

"Very disappointed. But lessons have to be learned from these mistakes as it is a young backline. We made three mistakes and they cost us the game," he commented.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Yesterday's results

Molynes 1-1 Chapelton

Humble Lion 1-0 Harbour View

Portmore 1-0 Vere Phoenix

Tivoli 3-2 Waterhouse

Cavalier 1-0 Dunbeholden

Today's match

7:45 p.m: MoBay vs Arnett - Montego Bay Sports Complex