Fletcher inspires Tivoli win
published:
Monday | December 31, 2007
Ainsley Walters, Freelance Reporter
STRIKER Roberto Fletcher yesterday inspired Tivoli Gardens to a 2-0 victory over Seba United at the Edward Seaga Stadium, setting up substitute Jermaine Allen's goal in the 66th minute and winning a penalty, which Oraine Simpson converted in the 85th.
The speedy forward, who transferred from Waterhouse to Tivoli at the beginning of the season, tormented Seba's defence from the start with his pace, sending fellow striker Navion Boyd one-on-one with the visitors' goalkeeper early in the match, only to see him shoot straight at the goalie.
Tivoli's win was a crucial one as the three points earned at home ate into Portmore's lead atop the standings, moving them to 24 points, four off the leaders, who drew 0-0 with Boys' Town at Collie Smith Drive.
The teams traded chances in the first half before Tivoli coach Glendon 'Admiral' Bailey made a double substitution at the break, which saw Allen replacing Boyd up front.
Bailey's move paid off big time when Fletcher won a high ball on the right side of Seba's area, shook off two defenders and crossed to the far post, finding Allen streaking into the six-yard box for an easy tap-in.
Seba's coach Theodore Whitmore was afterwards visibly upset, saying the linesman was late with his call. However, television replays showed Allen coming from behind the last defender after the ball was played.
Whitmore also had a beef with the penalty won by Fletcher, saying the defender, who blocked the Tivoli forward in the box, should have been sent off if it were a legitimate penalty.
Simpson's firm shot to the right of the keeper gave him no chance even though he dived correctly.
Bailey said his team was not at its best in the first half but picked up after the break.
"The most important thing is we came away with three points," he said. "We kept our shape in the second half and it paid off."
An upset Whitmore, whose team was joined on 17 points in mid-table by Reno after their 0-0 draw with Sporting Central, said the referee lost control of the game.
"That's part of football," he said. "We still have many games left and just have to move on."
