Howard Walker, Staff Reporter
Tivoli Gardens Fabian Davis (right) runs away from Reno's Kevon Grant towards the ball while Reno's Kevon Grant in action from their Wray and Nephew National Premier League match at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex yesterday. Tivoli won 3-2. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer
Tivoli Gardens registered their first win of the season, beating Reno 3-2 in their Wray and Nephew National Premier League (NPL) game at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex yesterday.
Nicholy Finlayson put the visitors in front from the penalty spot in the sixth minute after the burly Kirk Wright got around goalkeeper Edsel Scott and was fouled by Victor Thompson.
But two goals in two minutes by Christopher Jackson and Fabian Davis in the 16th and 18th minutes respectively gave Tivoli Gardens a 2-1 half-time lead.
The overlapping Jackson rifled in a low 25-metre shot that flew past goalkeeper Dwayne Kerr before he knew what had happened to make it 1-1. Then before the home fans had stop celebrating Jackson's fabulous strike, captain Davis stepped up and curled a beautiful free-kick past Kerr from 20 metres out to make it 2-1.
The home team went further ahead in the 51st minute, as the hard running Jackson was fouled in the box and referee Patrick Findlay pointed to the spot for Roland Dean to dispatch.
But nine minutes later, Kirk Wright scored the goal of the match with a spectacular scissors kick that flew past the argumentative Edsel Scott in goal.
Big jump
Tivoli, with their first win from five games, have climbed up the table to eighth place on five points and coach Calvin Fitzgerald was a relieved man.
Said Fitzgerald: "It's a welcome relief, especially when you are coaching a good side like Tivoli that is used to winning."
But the man who started as coach of Waterhouse last season said he was still not happy with his team's performance.
"We are still not finishing about 40 percent of our goalscoring opportunities so we still have to work on that," he added.
The Westmoreland-based Reno remain on seven points and are crowded by a host of teams on seven points.
Former national techncial director Wendell Downswell, now head coach of Reno, said his team was unlucky not to leave with at least a point.
Said Downswell: "It's just unfortunate as we were quite competitive in the game and should have come away with a point. We have seen some positive signs and will be building on this.
In the Under-21 encounter, Tivoli Gardens won 4-0.
The premier league continues today with one match, Harbour View hosting August Town at Harbour View Mini Stadium at 6:30p.m.
Tivoli Gardens - 3
Christopher Jackson 16th, Fabian Davis 18th, Roland Dean 51st
Reno - 2
Nicholy Finlayson 6th, Kirk Wright 60th