MARC STAMP, STAR Writer

Tivoli Gardens FC climbed into the top four in the Red Stripe Premier League for the first time this season, following a dramatic come-from-behind 3-2 win over Barbican at the Edward Seaga Complex yesterday.

Barbican led courtesy of a brace by former Tivoli Gardens star player Steve Green in the fourth and 66th minutes. However, Tivoli fought back through goals by defender Ranike Anderson in the 70th minute, and a double strike by substitute Lennox 'Calico' Creary in the 77th and a penalty kick in injury time (90th minute).

It was a bruising and hot-tempered contest that saw Barbican reduced to nine player after referee Valdin Ledgister issued the red card to second-half substitute Akino Bailey in the 87th minute, and captain Ramone McGregor in time added on.

Barbican had earlier replaced midfielder Andrew Christie and defender Mario McDonald because of injuries.

Green, who was a crowd favourite at Tivoli, scored twice but did not celebrate as a mark of respect to his former club.

The win pushed Tivoli into fourth position on 38 points, behind Arnett Gardens, Waterhouse and Montego Bay United in the race for semi-final spots. On the other hand, Barbican remained rooted at the bottom of the 12-team points standings on 21 points.

Creary who came on in the 76th minute and lifted his team to victory, was happy that the team showed resilience to win the game in the final minute.

"It was a hard fought victory that put us into the top four for the first time this season. The team showed determination to come back from two down and win in the last minute," Creary, who is a former Calabar High Manning Cup football star told STAR Sports.

Tivoli's coach, Alvin Shaw, credited his players for fighting all the way.

"Well, I have to credit the players today. It was a show of determination and team spirit. We will continue to work hard for a semi-final spot," Shaw said.

Meanwhile, Barbican's coach, Marvin Tate, was upset about the officiating.

"The referee took the game away from us. We lost two players to ruthless tackles and then two of our players were sent off," a visibly upset Tate stated.