Fuller free-kick gives Tivoli wriggle room

TIVOLI GARDENS moved four points clear of Racing United and Waterhouse in the race for sixth in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) after nipping Racing 1-0 at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex yesterday.

Nichalia Fuller netted a 72nd-minute free-kick, his third spotted effort of the season and his ninth goal overall, to give his team the points.

Tivoli coach Jerome Waite was pleased to have extended their advantage over their pursuers.

“It’s pleasing to have increased our advantage, and as long as we continue to win, it will be difficult for anyone to catch us,” he said.

In a game of few chances, Tivoli’s best opportunities in the first half came through Anthony Nelson and Janoi Williams, but both had their efforts blocked.

Racing were positive throughout the period but had nothing clear-cut.

After the break, Lennox Russell had the best chances to score for Tivoli, but he placed his header wide of the mark while Fuller had a freekick that went just the wrong side of the post.

Andre Clennon also had a great chance for Racing from the edge of the area but was denied by a defensive block.

However, with both teams giving very little away, it required an inch-perfect free-kick from the Tivoli talisman to break the deadlock, and Waite believes the 21-year-old has even more to offer the team.

“Today, it wasn’t an easy game. Racing came and gave their endeavor best, but in the end, we scored from an excellent free kick from the youngster Nichalia Fuller.

“He is a youngster, and he has a lot to learn, and he can only get better as the season progresses. But he did well today,” he said.

He added also that he was also very pleased with their defensive efforts.

“This is now the fourth consecutive win. But one thing we can talk about today is the clean sheet. For our last two games we have been giving up goals. So now we have been seeing a lot of improvements in all departments.”

Racing assistant coach Paul Walker said it wasn’t the best game, but he is confident that they can still go on and qualify for the playoffs.

“It was a very poor game from us, but we got our fair chances where we could have come out with at least a draw.

“But certain games, you have to be mentally stronger as players. We still have 10 games to go. We just have to work hard and play together and go for those 10 games, and once we do our best, I guarantee we will be in the top six,” said Walker.

Tivoli stayed in sixth on 45 points, four more than Racing and Waterhouse on 41. Tivoli have seven games remaining, Racing have nine, and Waterhouse, who play Harbour View today, have eight matches left.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

TODAY’S RESULTS

Vere 0-0 Dunbeholden

Humble Lion 0-0 MoBay United

Tivoli 1-0 Racing

Portmore 0-1 Chapelton