Waul proves worth with goals

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

Mitchily Waul, having only joined up with defending champions Tivoli Gardens during the preseason, has been rewarded for his industry during training with a place in the starting 11 to lead the front line alongside national player Navion Boyd.

The coaching staff's faith in him has already started paying dividends, as after an impressive showing in the opening match of the season against Montego Bay United, he took all the accolades for himself in their second match against archrivals Arnett Gardens on Sunday evening, when he came up with two goals to earn his team a hard fought 2-1 win at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.

Waul struck in the 56th and 74th minute to render Kirk Ramsey's 80th-minute goal for Arnett Gardens irrelevant.

The 26-year-old, who spent part of last season playing with Green Bay Hoppers in Antigua's National Premier League, was delighted with his contribution to the team and attributed it to hard work.

"It is a great feeling, it is always good to score goals and that is the aim of the game and when you can score goals and let your team win that's a well done job," Waul said.

"I am a hard worker and that is Tivoli's team aim to always work hard and to get the job done," he added.

High praises

Tivoli's coach, Glendon 'Admiral' Bailey, had high praises for the player and is pleased that the club has acquired his services.

"From preseason we realised that he has something to offer to the club," Bailey shared.

"He has been with us right through preseason and his work rate is always up there and you have to reward players when they give you what you want, and his reward is starting in a championship team and he is proving to be a good choice," he added.

The rather physical encounter saw two cards a piece dished out in the first half, including a red to Arnett's Newton Sterling in the 18th minute for a two-footed challenge on Raymond Williams.

However, it was not until the 56th minute before Tivoli were able to breach Arnett's defence, when a 40-yard free kick by Marcelino Blackburn was coughed up by Arnett's keeper, Julain McLeish, allowing Waul to pounce and nod it in from close range.

He made it 2-0 in the 72nd minute when he got on to the end of a Jameel Thompson square, to stab home yet again from close range.

Arnett's consolation goal came in the 80th minute when Ramsey swivelled and got off a spectacular 25-yard volley, which nestled into the back of the net.

Bailey was proud of the fight shown by his team to grind out a favourable result in a tough game.

"We are showing character, and it is always pleasing to have a team that is showing character, and we are finding ways to win games and I think that is a good sign," Bailey said.

Arnett's coach, Paul 'Tegat' Davis, believes his team did not play to their full potential.

"I think we didn't show up tonight. The players were a bit tentative and the players we were looking for to step up really didn't, they sat back and watched Tivoli play," Davis lamented.