Christopher Jackson (third left) is mobbed by his teammates after he found the back of the net against Waterhouse. - Ricardo Makyn

Tivoli coach Glendon 'Admiral' Bailey pointed out meticulous preparation as key in a 3-0 win over second-place Waterhouse at the Edward Seaga Complex yesterday, a game he admits the team could not afford to lose.

The west Kingston team had a strong start to the season going their first 12 games unbeaten but stumbled badly in the second round.

"This is a very positive result for us. We could not afford to lose this one. We spoke about this, where we are and where the leader is, so we could not afford to lose as we would be 12 points behind the leaders if we lost," a pleased Tivoli Gardens coach Glendon 'Admiral' Bailey said after the game.

Jameel Thompson in the 26th minute, Christopher Jackson in the 39th minute and substitute Navion Boyd in the 83rd were responsible for the goals. While he did not find the back of the net, the rangy midfielder Mario Swaby was like a puppeteer as he pulled the strings in midfield and dictated the movement of his team and had Waterhouse chasing shadows.

With the win, Tivoli Gardens remained in third place but moved up to 42 points, one behind Waterhouse whose players at times appeared to have their minds on other things.

Red Stripe Premier League leaders Portmore United extended their lead to eight points with a 2-0 win over the hapless Reno, who have now dropped to the bottom of the table on goal difference.

Rosario Harriott and Carlos Barrett scored in the 65th and 82nd minute, respectively, to strengthen their position at the top of the table with 48 points to Waterhouse's 43. The most impressive performance of the day was reserved for defending champions Tivoli Gardens which ripped Waterhouse to pieces with a comprehensive 3-0 win.

"We put a lot of work in this preparation to tell you the truth. We did a lot of tactical work. I went to the game with Waterhouse and Montego Bay and it opened my eyes somewhat tactically somewhat how to approach Waterhouse. We did a lot of blackboard work and the guys stuck to the game plan and that is what paid dividends today," Bailey explained.

Waterhouse's Donovan Duckie said that the better team on the day won.

"We were outplayed.

"Tivoli wanted it more, believe me. We had some possession, had two look ins but we did not take any," Duckie said.

Psychology also played a part as far as Duckie was concerened.

"They were very hard to motivate and were very complacent. This is not the first that they have done it," he explained, adding that they will have to forget about this game quickly.

In other games, Sporting Central Academy came out 1-0 winners in the Clarendon derby and eased their chances of avoiding the relegation scrap, Village and Highgate ended 2-2 and Montego Bay United and Harbour divided two goals.

Yesterday's results:

Tivoli Gardens 3 - Waterhouse 0

Reno 0 - Portmore 2

Humble Lion 0 - Sporting Central 1

Village 2 - Highgate 2

Montego Bay United 1 - Harbour View 1