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Tivoli Gardens close gap on top six with win at Waterhouse
January 13, 2025
Tivoli Gardens FC continue their march up the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) table after Nichalia Fuller's second-half penalty led them to a 1-0 win over Waterhouse FC at Drewsland Mini Stadium last evening.
Waterhouse FC missed a first-half penalty through Andre Fletcher.
Although the Jerome Waite-coached Tivoli Gardens FC, on 23 points, are still four points off the top six, they have closed the gap on Waterhouse who slipped to fifth on 27, the same as Portmore, who defeated Vere Phoenix 2-0 for their first win in eight matches.
BETTER CHANCES
At Drewsland, Waterhouse created the better chances in the first half but failed to capitalise.
Fuller had the first real effort on goal early in the contest, but his free kick was saved by Diego Gordon.
However, Waterhouse were creating the better openings and seven minutes into the second half Barrington Pryce handled a pass from Martin Davis, thus giving up a penalty. However, Fletcher put his penalty wide of the target.
The Waterhouse winger had another great chance to make amends after he was played through by Denardo Thomas, but his effort was blocked by Gordon in goal.
The chances after that were far and fewer but Tivoli got a lifeline in the 72nd minute when Lennox Russell was brought down inside the box and Fuller fired home the resulting spot kick for the game's only goal.
Tivoli ended the game with 10 men after Trevaune McKain received a second yellow card in the 77th minute.
PHYSICAL, TACTICAL GAME
"Today was a physical, tactical game on both ends," said winning coach Jerome Waite.
"It was a situation where no team wanted to make any error in defence. It resulted in both teams giving up penalties. We converted and they missed, so kudos to the boys, they did well today.
"That was the whole objective. Getting three points and focus on the next game at hand and move forward," he added.
Despite having the dominant possession in statistics and chances created, Waterhouse coach Marcel Gayle said they were let down in front of goal.
"Our decision-making in front of goal was poor. I thought we dominated and had more of the possession but we are not being ruthless and that is something that we are working on," he said.
"Tivoli did what they needed to do to get the win. It is a tough one to lose at home but we live to fight a next day."
The Waterhouse-Tivoli contest was the feature of a Drewsland doubleheader.
In the opening game, Molynes United FC and Chapelton Maroons FC played to a 0-0 draw to remain in eighth and ninth positions, respectively, on 17 points each.
Both coaches were disappointed by their team's failure to convert.
"We were a bit wasteful. We created some good opportunities and at this level we should be doing better," said Molynes United FC's coach Jermaine Thomas. "But we did well in a lot of areas and for that I am happy."
Chapelton Maroons' Jermaine Douglas said, ""The first half we had more control and should have scored. We created a number of chances and should have taken one. But there are positives and we will keep working and get better for the future," he commented.
CAVALIER WIN
At Dunbeholden Sports Complex, Cavalier Soccer Club, with goals from Christopher Ainsworth and Ardrian Reid, beat the home team 2-0, to stay fourth with 31 points, six off leaders Mount Pleasant. Dunbeholden remain 12th with 15 points.
Portmore United got their first win in eight matches, thanks to goals from Tarick Ximines and Tedj Bryan in their match against Vere at Wembley Centre of Excellence.
Vere stayed 10th, but are now one point adrift of Molynes and Chapelton.
The game between relegation strugglers Harbour View and Humble Lion ended 1-1, thanks to two penalties.
James Thomas fired Humble Lion ahead in the 24th minute. But Tahair Lawrence secured a point with an added-time penalty.
Humble Lion are bottom of the standings on 11 points, while Harbour View are 13th on 13 points.
