Defender strikes to keep TG in top three

Odean Pennycooke registered the game’s only goal as Tivoli Gardens (TG) defeated Molynes United 1-0 at Stadium East yesterday to stay third in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL).

The defender executed a fine volley any striker would be proud of for his first goal this season, and he was happy with his contribution at both ends of the pitch.

“It (goal) is a big deal because this is my first goal of the season. It’s a 1-0 win and a clean sheet. So it’s an important win, and I am very glad about this victory.

“This is very positive going forward because I can score and help the team win matches even though I’m a defender,” he said.

The win kept Tivoli third in the table on 17 points, one behind Arnett Gardens and two adrift of leaders Mount Pleasant, and Pennycooke sees the team challenging seriously for the title this season.

“Last season wasn’t good defensively, but this season with a new coach we are getting it right as the team is working together defensively. So I expect the team to go all the way and challenge for the championship,” he said.

Molynes were more enterprising for the first 20 minutes with a slew of attacks, but they lacked quality in the final third.

Thorn Simpson had a good chance to put Molynes in front but fired straight to goalkeeper Diego Haughton.

Nickalia Fuller had two great opportunities for Tivoli but was denied by Peter Harrison in goal before dragging a shot wide with Harrison beaten.

Jason Wright had two great chances at the end of the half, but he was first denied by a great save from Haughton after an excellent build-up. Then from the corner he volleyed wide from 10 yards.

Tivoli got the go-ahead goal from an likely source when Molynes failed to clear from a corner and Pennycooke latched on to the loose ball and lashed home from the top of the area.

Suejae McLean nearly got Molynes back in the contest moments later, but Haughton tipped his effort off the post.

Tivoli coach Jerome Waite was pleased to see other players stepping up to take the pressure off striker Justin Dunn.

“The pressure is always on Dunn to produce. So it’s good to see Pennycooke getting the job done today,” said Waite.

Molynes coach Jermaine Brown, in his first game as head coach, said the signs were positive.

“We were far more compact, far more organised, and if was good to see Thorn (Simpson) playing 90 minutes. If we can get him fit, and with Jason Wright and others, I think we can have a good unit,” he said.

Molynes sit at the foot of the standings on four points.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Today’s games

5 p.m: Harbour View vs Lime Hall

7:30 p.m: Waterhouse vs Treasure Beach

Both games will be played at the Stadium East field

Yesterday’s results

Vere 2 Mount Pleasant 0

Dunbeholden 2 Montego Bay United 1

Arnett 2 Humble Lion 0

Portmore 1 Cavalier 0