Back-to-back JPL wins for Tivoli

Tivoli Gardens turned back Chapelton Maroons 3-2 in their Jamaica Premier League (JPL) game at the Anthony Spaulding Complex yesterday to register back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

Goals from Nickalia Fuller (11th) and Kavan Wilson (34th) put Tivoli 2-0 up. But Levaughn Williams pulled a goal back four minutes later in the 38th, and Jahvon James tied the game on the hour.

However, Tivoli would steal all three points through Shaquille Jones’ 68th-minute freekick.

Tivoli coach Jerome Waite believes things are looking up for his team after their slow start to the season.

“Thirteen points going forward is a good look. This season, we started slow, and this is something I never expected.

“But we have been creating many chances, and we should be putting away more of these. Defensive errors are why we are in this position at this time, but we will continue working,” he said.

Williams had the first real chance five minutes into the match, but his shot was saved. However, Tivoli also looked threatening in a lively start to the game, and they took the lead when Fuller slammed a shot inside William Viera’s near post from a tight angle.

Tivoli grew in confidence after the goal and took control of midfield and should have done better on a few occasions, with Anthony Nelson wasting two great chances to extend their lead. They eventually added a second when Barrington Pryce flicked a header from a corner on to the back post and Wilson smashed home the rebound.

Williams went close a couple minutes later, but Diego Haughton parried his effort from six yards. However, the veteran forward would not be denied as he slotted past Haughton seconds later after being presented with another opportunity.

Chapelton were very purposeful after the break and they seized the ascendancy in the opening minutes to keep Tivoli on the back foot.

The Clarendon club’s enterprise would eventually pay off when they caught their opponents on a fast break, which ended with James firing home from eight yards.

Jamari Howell almost gave Chapelton the lead a few minutes later, but Haughton was alert to turn his deflected shot away from goal.

As the game drew closer to its end, Chapelton looked the more likely to score. But it was Jones who snatched all three points for Tivoli with a well-taken freekick that gave Viera no chance.

Tivoli are eighth in the standings. Chapelton remain second from bottom on nine points, and coach Oneil Thompson said they played well enough to get at least a point from the game but they will get better as the season progresses.

Thompson who said his team should have gotten something from the game said his players will rebound.

“We have a long way to go but when the momentum comes our way, we have to capitalise. We conceded late, and mentally, that is devastating. But we will continue to work,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mount Pleasant extended their lead to the top of the table to three points after a 4-0 win over Molynes, with a brace from Shaquile Bradford.

Mount Pleasant are now on 25 points ahead of Waterhouse (22), who host third-place Arnett (21) this evening.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Yesterday’s results

Chapelton 2-3 Tivoli

Racing 1-1 Humble Lion

Dunbeholden 3-3 Portmore

Mount Pleasant 4-0 Molynes

Today’s games

5 p.m.: Harbour View vs Vere-Phoenix

7:30 p.m.: Waterhouse vs Arnett

Both games will be played at the Waterhouse Mini Stadium.