'Weight off my shoulders' - Edwards relieved by Tivoli's 1-0 win over UWI FC

Omar Edwards, head coach of Tivoli Gardens, said that yesterday's 1-0 victory over hosts UWI FC in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) has helped to lift some of the pressure off his shoulders.

Colorado Murray netted the all-important goal for Tivoli in the 54th minute. In fact, the west Kingston-based side were recording their first win at the UWI Mona Bowl in three seasons.

Edwards, who has been under pressure following consecutive defeats in the competition, said he is very happy for the victory.

"It is a good victory for the team because we have lost back-to-back games, and I believed that this was a deserved victory for the team," said Edwards.

"We spent an entire week working on our defensive shape and organisation and how to keep a clean sheet, and I am really proud of how we defended stoutly," he said.

"It is always a good relief and it is always a plus playing from home and getting maximum points. It is always encouraging for us," Edwards said.

Murray, who is a former Excelsior High School Manning Cup standout, netted the lone goal of the match when his tame effort deflected off a defender and into the back of the net past custodian Amal Knight.

UWI created several scoring chances, but poor finishing from the attackers let them down.

VERY DISAPPOINTED

Andrew Peart, head coach of UWI, said he is very disappointed with his team's efforts.

"I believed that we got some opportunities, but in such an evenly balanced game, they got their opportunity, capitalised on it, and after that, they defended very well," said Peart.

"We tried to penetrate, but it was tough for us, so I am disappointed with the result because we don't want to lose, especially at home," he said.

Harbour View Football Club will host a fundraiser in aid of former club and national player Luton Shelton during their RSPL match with Mount Pleasant Football Academy this evening at 8:35 p.m.

Shelton, who is the country's all-time leading goalscorer with 35 goals, is battling the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Former FIFA referee Peter Prendergast will be in charge of the Harbour View FC Masters vs Violet Tourers of Montego Bay match, which will be the opening game of a double-header at the Harbour View Stadium at 5:30 p.m.

Shelton's younger brother Shamar; former Jamaica College midfielder Ashani Walker; and musician Wayne Marshall, a Wolmerian like Shelton, will all represent Harbour View Masters. Marshall will also perform his popular song Glory to God to lead out both teams and officials. National men's senior football team head coach and former player Theodore Whitmore will represent Violet Tourers.

Tickets for the event will cost $1,000.

Monetary donations to Shelton's recovery efforts can be made at www.gofundme.com/​luton-shelton-fights-als-disease or at National Commercial Bank (Oxford Road branch), account number 214233150.