Tivoli hold their own at home

TIVOLI GARDENS marked their return to the Edward Seaga Sports complex after three seasons with a 1-1 draw against Chapelton Maroons in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) yesterday.

Nathaniel Howe thought he gave the visiting team the lead before the break, with a first-half stoppage time penalty, but Janoi Williams ensured that Tivoli went in at the break on even terms with a strike just seconds later.

Nevertheless, Waite said he was less than impressed with his team’s showing. “The atmosphere wasn’t bad. It was a during-the-week game, so you wouldn’t get that maximum support. But they took the time out and rallied around the team, and that’s a good sign,” Waite commented.

“The draw was more (about) chances that we created and did not execute. It was not a situation where the opponent was really creating chances,” said Waite.

“The supporters they always give their energy, but the team is still playing a bit lacklustre, especially in the second half. I still expected more from them.”

Tivoli have now taken just two points from their last five matches, and Waite said if this form continues, it would surely affect them psychologically.

“We are not keeping clean sheets, and you are not able to win games. It will put you under pressure,” he said.

According to Waite, the team has a number of injuries he is hoping it can recover from soon.

Still, he sees signs that he is pleased with, saying defensively that the team did well.

Tivoli sit eighth with 28 points while Chapelton are 11th with 21.

At Effortville, the home team, Humble Lion, took the lead through Stephen Barnett after only four minutes of play. But Deandre Johnson ensured a point for the visitors with a strike six minutes from time.

Humble Lion stayed at the foot of the table on 15 points while Racing remained in seventh with 29 points.

Meanwhile, Portmore (fourth) and Dunbeholden (10th) also stayed as they were in the table after their stalemate at Ferdi Neita Park.

Portmore had the bulk of the chances in the encounter, with Romeo Guthrie, Tedj Bryan, and Cardel Benbow all wasting good opportunities to give Portmore a goal.

However, late in the match, Shakeen Powell almost stole all three points for Dunbeholden, but his lob crashed against the bar before going out.

Portmore climbed to 39 points and Dunbeholden moved to 23.