Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer

Seba United's Kemar James (right) racing away from a Tivoli Gardens defender in yesterday's Cash Plus NPL fixture at Jarrett Park. Tivoli Gardens won the game 2-1. - Photo by Adrian Frater

Historically, former Premier League champions Tivoli Gardens, have been known for their poor form on the road, particularly at Elliston Wakeland Centre and at Jarrett Park. But if this season;s results are anything to go, then they could be experiencing a reversal of form.

On Sunday, they defeated then joint-leaders Seba United 2-1 at Jarrett Park, while in the opening week of the competition, they rallied from 0-2 down with 10 minutes to go for a 2-2 draw at Elliston Wakeland Centre.

Coach Glendon 'Admiral' Bailey in his second stint at Tivoli Gardens is convinced that the change is real.

"Yes, I think that that is the case, we are travelling better now," Bailey told The Gleaner after Sunday's game, which they won through a goal from midfielder Denroy Gordon in the fourth minute and a spectacular own goal from Delroy Ellis deep in the second half.

Build unity

"As you know, it is a points system, so it is not the days where you can struggle here and struggle there and still win the league. We emphasise on travelling and, as you know, we do not have a lot of travelling supporters so we have to bond as a family, coach and players.

"We try to build that unity around us. When we travel, we try to build up each other, and we get more done," Bailey added, explaining that the change was forced through necessity.

But while Tivoli Gardens have become tougher on the road, Bailey believes they are a little bit too 'relaxed' at home.

"I think when we play at home we have this relaxed attitude because we are at home. If you remember the game at Village, we were down 0-2 with about 10 minutes to go and the fight and determination that we showed carried us back in. It is a good sign and what we need to do now is to apply that same intensity in the home games."

With the four points earned on the road and the one at home from the 1-1 draw with August Town, Tivoli Gardens are only being edged out of the lead in the Cash Plus Premier League (CPPL) by defending champions Harbour View, which whipped Village 3-0 on Sunday following two successive draws.

Motivate players

Sunday's result should also serve as motivation for his players when they host Portmore United next Sunday.

"If my team show up to play some football against Portmore United the way they turned out today, then they should be fine," said Bailey, who walked onto the filed at the final whistle and shook the hand of each of his players and congratulated them on their performance.

"The emphasis this year is to take a point when we travel and win at home. We did not do that last week. Portmore are always a tough team and I know that they will be coming at us. Portmore did not play Boys' Town today (Sunday) and I hear it will be played on Wednesday (tomorrow) so maybe it is a plus for us," Bailey stated.