Tivoli extend lead with nerve-wracking win
Published: Friday | October 30, 2009
Hyde: We hit them on the counter.
Hayles: To concede three goals is really tough.
Tivoli Gardens' coach, Lenworth Hyde Sr, was the most uncomfortable man inside the Harbour View Mini Stadium on Wednesday night, as he nervously watched a rampant Harbour View team score two goals in three minutes to threaten his team's three-goal cushion, in their Digicel Premier League rescheduled match-up that eventually ended 3-2.
Victory extended Tivoli Gardens' lead atop the standings by four points over St Georges Sports Club, as they moved to 22. Harbour View, meanwhile, remained third on 16.
The defending champions had raced into a commanding 3-0 advantage with Keammar Daley, Jameel Thompson and Navion Boyd booking what seemed at one point to be a sure victory for the west Kingston-based team. However, late strikes from Harbour View's Kemar Petrekin and Lovel Palmer restored hope for the hosts, who could not find an equalising goal in time.
Tactical plans
Hyde, who spent some time on the Harbour View bench two seasons ago, praised their efforts towards the end of the match, but was happy that his team managed to execute their tactical plans throughout the game.
"Harbour View did what I expected them to do tonight. They were playing at home and were unbeaten, so they were high-pressing us, so that opened up chances for us at the back of the field and we hit them on the counter," said Hyde.
He added: "I must lift my hat to the Harbour View team. They played a good game, they played a gallant game, and it was a good game for the spectators tonight."
He was, however, concerned with his team's management of the ball and their composure in terms of controlling the game after taking a huge three-goal advantage.
"It was a tactical game and I think we did well by scoring those three goals, but defensively, we need to keep more composure by keeping the ball when we gain possession, and be more comfortable when we are in the lead," assessed Hyde.
First loss of the season
Harbour View, who had a barrage of opportunities throughout the game, were suffering their first loss of the season, after controlling the tempo for large parts of the game.
Coach Donavan Hayles was heartened by his team's determination and believes it augurs well as it relates to the team's ambitions for the season.
"It's a tough loss, but I'm very pleased with my charges. They played some quality football and they showed that they have guts. Sometimes when you lose it this way, you realise the depth that you have in the team and the quality of the players.
"We played some dominant football but unfortunately we didn't take our opportunities. We got off the mark late, and once we did, we really started to show our real worth, but unfortunately, time ran out on us," Hayles remarked.
He, however, could not hide his discontent with his team's defensive frailties - conceding three goals within the hour.
"It's a long season and we want to get everything right, but to concede three goals is really tough. The quality football we showed was good and they showed a lot of fight, so I really can't fault my players," said Hayles.
| P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS | |
| St Georges | 9 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 18 |
| Tivoli | 9 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 19 | 7 | 12 | 22 |
| H View | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 13 | 8 | 5 | 16 |
| Portmore | 9 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 13 |
| Village | 9 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 12 |
| Boys' Town | 9 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 11 |
| Arnett | 9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 11 | -1 | 10 |
| Rivoli | 9 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 8 | -1 | 10 |
| W'house | 9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 8 | 15 | -7 | 10 |
| Sporting | 9 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 9 |
| H Lions | 9 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 14 | -5 | 7 |
| August Twn | 9 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 15 | -11 | 5 standings Standings Digicel Premier League standings after matches played on Sunday. (Tabulate under Teams, Play, Win, Draw, Lose, Goals For, Goals Against, Second Round Points, Points) Teams P W D L GF GA GD PTS St Georges 9 5 3 1 10 3 7 18 Tivoli 9 7 1 1 19 7 12 22 H View 9 4 4 1 13 8 5 16 Portmore 9 3 4 2 7 7 0 13 Village 9 2 6 1 7 7 0 12 Boys' Town 9 2 5 2 7 6 1 11 Arnett 9 3 1 5 10 11 -1 10 Rivoli 9 2 4 3 7 8 -1 10 W'house 9 3 1 5 8 15 -7 10 Sporting 9 2 3 4 7 7 0 9 H Lions 9 1 4 4 9 14 -5 7 August Twn 9 1 2 6 4 15 -11 5 Standings after matches played on Sunday. (Tabulated under Teams, Play, Win, Draw, Lose, Goals For, Goals Against, Second Round Points, Points)
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