LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

Christopher Jackson (centre, at back) celebrates his goal with Tivoli Gardens teammates (from left) Jermaine Grey, Dwight Heron, Roberto Fletcher (front) and Navion Boyd during their Cash Plus Premier League match at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex yesterday. Tivoli won 1-0. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

There was only one minute left at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex yesterday. One minute for Arnett Gardens goalkeeper Julian McLeish to record another phenomenal achievement of denying quality shots and saving his team. One minute to Arnett salvaging a crucial point as they try to climb up the tables after spiralling downwards over the last several weeks.

But the famous let foot of winger Christopher Jackson shattered all of that. With a screamer from the top of the 18-yard box in time added on, Jackson powered the ball past the safe hands of McLeish for a goal that put them at the top of the Cash Plus Premier League tables with 30 points, two ahead of Portmore United who lost 1-3 to St. Georges.

Tivoli almost missed their chance to surpass Portmore after spectacular repeat saves by McLeish throughout the entire game. McLeish's rejection list was long: Navion Boyd, Jermaine Grey, Roberto Fletcher, Damion Gordon, Craig Stewart. All had easily convertible chances, but diving here and jumping there with acrobatic grace and manning his goal with aged experience, McLeish withstood them all.

A tough blow

Jackson's last-minute goal was a tough blow for Arnett, a club with such rich history which is now flirting with relegation. Arnett have 15 points in 11th spot, and are only five points away from occupying last place.

"We hung in there and stood up to what Tivoli had to offer until the last minute," said a wrenched-face Max Straw, coach of Arnett. "There industry paid off."

Straw's counterpart Glendon 'Admiral' Bailey said he was preparing for a point as the game petered out.

"I thought it was going to be one of those days," said Bailey of his team's inability to find the back of the net despite getting many chances.

He added: "McLeish had an excellent day ... (but) it was all about patience. We stuck to our routine and it paid off and that's what I said to the team at half time. We just have to stick to the plan."

Tivoli were menacing in their attacking and Arnett had little time to catch their breaths. A rushing Oraine Simpson squared the ball from the right side which Jackson met at the edge of the 18-yard box, gathered himself then struck it directly at McLeish as it ripped past his hands and into the net.

Tivoli Gardens 1

Christopher Jackson (90+)

Arnett Gardens 0