Confidence builder - Dawson elated with first Tivoli goal

Andre Dawson's first goal of the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) season could not have come at a better time for the former Boys' Town star. Dawson's 47th-minute strike was the difference as Tivoli defeated Portmore United 1-0 at the Spanish Town Prison Oval to topple the defending champions from the top of the RSPL table.

Dawson told The Gleaner that his start to life at Tivoli has not been the best, but he hopes to use this goal as boost to his confidence and a start to better things.

"This is my first goal of the season. It's my new club. I made the move this summer. The coach, Omar Edwards, coached me in the youth programme at Boys' Town, and he called me to come and give him a service. So, I left Boys' Town, who just dropped out of the league, to give him strength," he noted.

NOT A GOOD SEASON

"But I am not having a good season so far. I am in and out of the team, and I have to be training hard to get back into the side. I didn't know I was going to start. I just heard my name in the starting 11, and I just put myself in a frame of mind that I was going to go out there and do my best and try get a goal. So, I just want to move forward on this goal and work hard and build my confidence," he said.

The striker was disappointed not to have added to his tally after missing a couple of other opportunities. "I feel good, but I could have delivered more. I could have put away those chances. It's unfortunate, but it's God's will. I just want to keep focus and help the team win the national league, that is my target," added the former Waterhouse, Cavalier and Jamalco player.

In the first half, Tivoli had the best chance to score, but Barrington Pryce failed to connect with a header from 12 yards. The west-Kingston side also started the second half brighter and earned some early reward when Ezran Simpson played back the ball from Dawson to slam home from 12 yards.

Rondee Smith came close, but Davion Watkins denied his effort from 10 yards, and then Javon East's follow-up on the rebound. Dawson and Andre Moulton also had great chances to extend Tivoli's lead, but neither could make use of the opportunities.

Tivoli, who came into the match one point adrift of Portmore and tied with Mount Pleasant on 13 points, moved two points clear at the top of the table and are now sole leaders of the RSPL on 16 points. They also stayed two points clear of Mount Pleasant, who drew 1-1 with Cavalier.

Yesterday's RSPL results:

Reno 2-1 Dunbeholden

UWI P-P Waterhouse

Humble Lion 2-0 Harbour View

Cavalier 1-1 Mount Pleasant

Portmore 0-1 Tivoli Gardens