Wellington’s first hat-trick lifts Tivoli to 3-2 win

After 13 seasons in the Jamaica Premier League, Tivoli Gardens forward Rodico Wellington netted his first hat-trick in the league yesterday, helping Tivoli to come from 2-0 down to defeat Harbour View 3-2 at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex.

A brace from Rohan Brown in the ninth and 26th minutes placed Tivoli in deep trouble but Wellington powered them back into the game, first converting expertly from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute, before firing home from inside the box two minutes later. The forward would get the only goal of the second half, in the 61st minute, powering home a header to complete the comeback.

“It’s not one of my best games, but I got three goals. It has been a few games now that Tivoli have not scored a goal, about four to five games, so to come out and score a hat-trick for the team is a plus and I love that,” the 30-year-old Wellington said.

Harbour View took the lead after nine minutes, when Brown fired a loose ball into the far post. They added a second in the 26th when Trayvone Reid robbed Keno Simpson of possession and play to Brown, who scored from seven yards.

Wellington pulled a goal back after a foul inside the area, and he converted from the penalty spot. They then tied the match moments later after the Harbour View defence failed to clear and Wellington fired into the far corner from inside the box.

Brown and Wellington then both missed great opportunities to grab first half hat-tricks, and Reid had a great chance early in the second half, which he slotted wide.

However, Wellington would get his and Tivoli’s third when he powered a header past Garwin Davis just past the hour.

Reid should have secured Harbour View a point in added time, but he failed to convert from the spot after he was fouled in the box.

Tivoli coach Jerome Waite said after going down early 2-0, he was pleased to see Wellington rise above all expectations and score three goals.

“That speaks volumes for the Tivoli team. He always adds a little flavour to the team and always tries to motivate and inspire them,” Waite said.

At Turners Oval, Nicolas Nelson’s second-half brace (53rd and 67th) secured a 2-2 draw for Molynes against Chapelton Maroons, who led 2-0 at the break through goals from Denzel McKenzie (27th) and Sean Leighton (44th).

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com