Tivoli Gardens' Jameel Thompson celebrates scoring a goal by lifting his jersey to reveal a photo of former teammate Oraine Simpson (who was slain) on an undershirt during their Digicel Premier League football match against Rivoli United at Edward Seaga Sports Complex on Sunday. The game ended 3-3. Midfielder Steve Green watches Thompson's celebration. - Ian Allen/Photographer

George Vernal made good his return to the Boys' Town team with a spectacular double strike to further complicate Sporting Central Academy's woes, inflicting a 2-1 beating in their Digicel Premier League encounter at Brancourt on Sunday.

Vernal struck in the 63rd and 74th minutes to cover an otherwise scrappy display by Boys' Town, who played second fiddle to the home side in possession and chances created.

Despite being shut out of the first mid-season final, the Andrew Price-coached team jumped to 14 points, cementing their now familiar spot in the top six.

Vernal's strikes aside, it might have been a miserable ride back home and Price gave kudos to his trusted attacking midfielder.

"One of the reasons that Vernal is back in this side is that he brings the advantage where he is able to score and get something out of nothing and he did that for us today."

Depressing end

It was another depressing end to an afternoon which spawned the hope for an end to a slump that had seen four defeats since the creditable 1-1 draw against defending champions Tivoli Gardens early last month.

The return of Duckie from a bout of the flu, and a starting line-up strengthened with the inclusion of first-string goalie Jacomena Barrett from injury, midfielder Kamal Reid and defender Linval Lewis - back from cards - provided much needed tonic.

The confidence flowed early with Boys' Town pushed back on their heels and Price screaming from the sideline.

Not even Francois Swaby's horrific 15th minute miss, running straight at a stranded Kirk Porter in goal and defenders already left behind with no chance to chase, could have served as evidence of the disappointing deja vu of the previous week against Waterhouse.

Jevaughn Watson's form against all teams this season in midfield continued and his dribble earned Sporting a penalty in the 18th minute. Romaine Barnes converted easily for a 1-0 lead.

Cards

However, referee Kevin Morrison's intervention with cards - nine for the match - would prove costly when he ruled Barrett's clearance was too rough on Michael Campbell, resulting in a red card.

The ejection meant Sporting had to sacrifice Kadian Wynter and use substitute goalkeeper Triston Henry seconds before the half-time whistle.

A couple of shots from Vernal on the resumption showed he could be dangerous but Sporting always seemed capable of extending their lead.

Jermaine Christian's drive forward promised much until he lost the ball at the point of service. A quick counter-attack found Vernal with room to shoot but it was the cruel deflection at pace which left Henry with no chance to effect a save, as Boys' Town equalised at the 63rd minute.

Ten minutes later Vernal would - with a spectacular overhead kick - connect well on a shoulder-high cross that rammed through the hands of Henry for his second goal.

At 2-1 the passage of play hardly altered as Sporting pressed and dominated even with the one-man disadvantage, but could not conjure a second goal.