Gladstone Taylor

Tivoli Gardens' André McFarlane (left) and Keith Wright of Rivoli FC battle for possession of the ball during yesterday's Red Stripe Premier League action at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex. Rivoli won the game 3-2.

Shayne Fairman, Star Writer

Rivoli United came from a goal down to stun hosts Tivoli Gardens 3-2 on match day four of the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex in Tivoli Gardens yesterday.

The teams, desperately needing a win, had all to play for. Rivoli went into the game in seventh place, while Tivoli was in tenth place. Keammar Daley broke the deadlock in the 25th minute with a spectacular free kick from about 30 yards out. The first half ended 1-0 in favour of the hosts.

Rivoli seemed a different unit after the break, striking the upright in the 46th minute. Daniel Roberts scored the equaliser in the 66th minute, and two minutes later (68th), Kemar Beckford stunned the home crowd into silence when he sent Rivoli two goals up. Ross Burton rubbed more salt into Tivoli's wounds when he timed his run to perfection and clinched Rivoli's third goal.

Immediate impact

Rivoli conceded a penalty due to sloppy defensive work, and Navion Boyd stepped up to coolly slot the ball into the back of the net for Tivoli's second goal.

Nineteen-year-old Daniel Roberts, who played schoolboy football last season, has made an immediate impact for Rivoli in the national league. It was his goal that brought Rivoli back into the game.

"I feel good to score as a young player. I'm working very hard for my team and hoping for a national call-up," he said. The player graduated from Port Antonio High, where he was the second-leading scorer. He has scored two goals in the RSPL so far.

Coach Fitz Gerald was happy with the win.

"We played with guts and heart to win today. I hope we keep it up, improve and do well in the league," he said.

Tivoli's Alvin Shaw, winless so far, blamed the loss on players being too laid back. "We got a bit complacent after taking the lead. A very disappointing result; it will take motivation for us to improve and go forward," Shaw said.