Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

Tivoli Gardens striker Roland Dean (left) acrobatically plays the ball while Village United's goalkeeper, Donovan Ricketts, positions at the near post during the Digicel Premier League football match at Edward Seaga Sports Complex yesterday. Dean scored to hand Tivoli a 1-0 victory. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Tivoli Gardens registered their first win of the season, when they held off Village United 1-0 at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex, in one of just a few games played in the Digicel Premier League (DPL) yesterday, due to foul weather conditions.

On a soggy pitch that made things difficult for football, striker Roland Dean got the all-important goal for the West Kingston team in the 21st minute.

Caught in a tussle with the Village centre half, Dean took full advantage when the defender seemingly back off to protest, firing past Village custodian and national goalkeeper, Donovan Ricketts.

"We have had a win coming from long time. We have been playing very well but we have just been failing to finish," said Tivoli coach Lenworth Hyde Sr.

"It was difficult to play the way we wanted to in these conditions, but we got the goal and I think we defended stoutly," he said.

Tivoli had previously played their way to draws against Meadhaven, Reno and St Georges.

Limited opportunities

In a game which had seen limited opportunities for the visitors not only due to the conditions, but solid defending from Tivoli, Dean could have snatched a second for the hosts, but saw his 65th-minute long range effort fisted away by Ricketts.

The big goalkeeper also had to be alert on the resulting corner, reacting quickly to keep a header from defender Dwight Herron, at the far post, out of the net.

Pressing forward on a surface which often saw passes held up in the water while players ran by, Tivoli looked certain to have earned themselves another goal 10 minutes from time. Lurking, unmarked at the back post from a corner, midfielder Craig Stewart had a good look at an open net but, heading downwards, saw the effort bounce just in front of goal before going over the crossbar.

"We conceded a goal on an error from one of our defenders and it was just really tough to try and get back into the game in these conditions," said Village coach Dr Dean Weatherley.

"We muffed a few early chances. You just cannot do that at this level and expect to be successful. But I thought it was a good try and we will head back to the drawing board," he added.