Tivoli bemoan ref interference in loss to Arnett

The Edward Seaga Sports Complex is becoming a happy hunting ground for Arnett Gardens, much to the annoyance and frustration of west Kingston rivals Tivoli Gardens.

The first instalment of this season’s battle between Tivoli and Arnett Gardens went the way of the ‘Junglists’ winning 1-0 on Sunday in the feature game of match day two of the 2019-20 Red Stripe Premier League. The first home game since the passing of their club president, Edward Seaga, was tight and physical, with many of the refereeing decisions coming under close scrutiny.

Substitute Damari Deacon scored the winning goal two minutes from time as Arnett got their first win of the season and their third straight win at Tivoli’s home ground.

Tivoli Gardens head coach Phillip Williams was left shaking his head at ­various decisions that went against his team, especially on regarding how Arnett managed to score their winner.

“The ball was obstructed by the referee, and [an Arnett] player was obstructed by the referee also. Based on the new rule, that should have been called back,” Williams said.

“There were some calls which were ridiculous, if you ask me. But that’s part of the game. We just have to get [this game] behind us and focus on the games to come.”

According to the new rules ratified by the International Football Association Board this year, if the ball touches the ­referee (or another match official) and goes into the goal, team possession changes, or a promising attack starts, a dropped ball has to be awarded.

FEW OPPORTUNITIES

In a game that struggled to find its rhythm, partially because of the poor field conditions at kick-off, there were few opportunities for both teams as Tivoli only managed four shots, three of those ­managing to test Arnett Gardens goalkeeper Damion Hyatt. Arnett were marginally better, registering six shots, three of those on target.

It was Arnett who had the early chances in the first half, with the highlight being a free kick in the 24th minute, forcing a good save out of Tivoli Gardens ­goalkeeper Davian Watkins. It was nearly half an hour before Tivoli had their first shot on target, when a header from Dwanye Smith lacked any power to trouble Hyatt.

The second half started in the same way, with Arnett asking questions of the Tivoli backline as a Javoni Simms shot forced a block from the defence, ending up in the hands of Watkins. Both teams struggled to stay on their feet, and it seemed that a draw would have been the fair result until Deacon’s 88th-minute goal shocked the home crowd and led to Tivoli’s second straight defeat of the season.