The two heavyweights, were billed to go head-to-head at the Complex, the top-of-the-tables clash for the leadership could only be exchanged by these two stalwarts as the four and five points lead over third placed St. George’s SC meant that at the end of Round 19 both Clubs would retain the Number One and Two Rankings, question is…who would be real Number One?
Going into the New Year, the fans, connoiseurs and die-hard fans had mixed views as to who would retain this crown for bragging rights and pole position as the January dawn beckons the start of a new day with prime perspective being the main prize in mid May, still some distance away.
Nineteen of Thirty-Eight Games played left it to be demanding that all teams double their collective efforts and try to register the same results if you have been good, or benefit from outstanding performances to improve the current status and yet still find innovative ways to salvage vital points to stave off relegation.
The extremely large gathering that assembled were barely seated as the Tivoli offensive was on display, menacingly lurking around the visitors penalty area as strike partners Navion Boyd deflected an accurate Christopher Jackson square over the crossbar from 17 yards, as his young assistant Dave Kelly, prodded and nibbled at the texture of the HVFC defense but were repelled by the cool heads of Captain, Lovel Palmer and fine team coordination of Dicoy “Ding” Williams and Montrose “Gringe” Phinn backed by the alert coverage of National Goalkeeper, Dwayne Miller.
Self confidence and calm management served it purpose in stabilizing the backline as too did the creative flow that was orchestrated from the artistry conducted by Jermaine Hue, in tandem with young heir apparent Andre “Zidane” Steele, John-Ross “J-R” Edwards and anchored with the strength and balance of Richard “Shortman” Edwards.
The early 16th minute lead was however wrestled by the industry and quick-thinking of the young front-men, as young left-back Kimarlee “Bebe” Brissett passed to Andre “Bullet” Fagan on the left flank, who in turn changed the angle of attack coming across the midfield to J-R Edwards who was dispossessed by defender Victor Thompson, but the sharp reaction of forward Ranique “BJ” Muir swooped on the ball from his blind-side the steal it and recover the ball before relaying to Steele, further to his right.
In a skilful move, he drifted right and reversed to his left evading the centre-half, Damion Crooks then a masterly chip into the far post left goalkeeper, Julian McLeish stranded as a spectator as the ball lodged in it’s intended destination with Steele streaking across the field to his welcoming bench and his hysterically celebrating relatives in the stands behind.
Tivoli would respond through the passing of the evergreen Steve Green and ball-handling of Keammar Daley who exchanged wings in search of an opening he never found as his free-kicks and shooting seemed to be having an off day. Navion Boyd was a bit hasty in his advances as was halted in his strides as wingbacks Dwight Heron and Captain on the day, Christopher Jackson could not deliver telling crosses from advanced positions sometimes over playing passes to the byline that could not penetrate.
Harbour View’s counter acting realized three goalscoring opportunities with the two best received by “BJ” Muir who hard both his strikes goalwards parried for corners by the experienced McLeish in solid positions, as Hue dragged his effort wide of the mark from an acute angle. Hue’s 23 yards free-kick sizzled past the far upright with the defence beaten as the Gardens officials watched in silence.
Three substitutions by Coach Lennie Hyde produced very little variation save for one promising move by young Michael Stern, the leading Under 21 player whose shot went wide of the near post as Boyd became entangled in physical play and missed his snapshot from the edge of the penalty area.
Dwayne Miller had no telling saves to report and maintained his clean sheet to rescue the important win and remain on top of the tables going into the New Year on 39 points four more than second placed Tivoli Gardens on 35, Boys Town and Waterhouse jumped into spots 3rd and 4th respectively as St. George’s SC slipped to 5th on 31 points as Sporting Central Academy popped into the top six on 24 points after a good 2-0 victory.