Tivoli let off Georges

Gareth Davis Sr, Gleaner Writer

BUFF BAY, Portland:

Despite being reduced to 10 players on the stroke of half-time, St Georges Sports Club held defending champions Tivoli Gardens to a 0-0 draw in their Digicel Premier League match at Lynch Park, Portland, yesterday.

"I believe we played well to secure a nil-all draw, especially against Tivoli," said Braxton Hyre, St Georges' coach.

Red card

The ejection of Donovan Davis - given marching orders for punching an opponent in the left eye in the 45th minute - appeared to have altered the chemistry of the home team, who had the better scoring opportunities in the first half.

"We played well in the first half and could have taken the lead on more than one occasion," said Hyre. "After we lost a player on the stroke of half-time, I instructed the guys to play a more defensive type of game as we really needed a share of the points," he added.

The home team was let down by poor finishing on the part of striker Damion Harwood, who seems to have lost his touch in front of goal.

Tivoli, who clearly dominated possession for the most parts, built their attacks through Keammar Daley, Christopher Jackson, Navion Boyd, Owen Powell and Steve Green.

However, they were denied by outstanding defensive work from Jermaine Taylor, his brother Ricardo, Omar Davis and Dwayne Holmes.

The second half was completely dominated by Tivoli, who squandered many scoring opportunities after the home team resorted to a defensive style of play.

"Yes, Georges defended well but they lost a player at half-time and we should have pressed home the advantage," said Lenworth Hyde Sr, Tivoli Gardens' coach. .

"We played 90 minutes of football and my team barely took nine shots at goal, so I am really disappointed," he added.