Tivoli up and running after hard-fought win over Racing

THE JEROME Waite-coached Tivoli Gardens registered their first victory of the 2024-25 Jamaica Premier League season, courtesy of a Horatio Morgan strike in the 80th minute against the newly promoted Racing United on a rainy Monday evening at the Waterhouse Mini-Stadium.

Racing started the brighter of the two, going in search of their second victory of the season. Striker Ranaldo Biggs got a glimpse of goal in the 21st minute but was denied as Tivoli custodian Diego Haughton was equal to the task.

As Racing continued their pursuit of a goal, Biggs again found himself with a glorious opportunity, one-on-one with Haughton, but again misfired, sending his chance wide of the intended target. While their attackers were missing chances, Racing’s defenders were composed, nullifying any meaningful attacks from the Tivoli frontline.

Gained momentum

In the second half, Tivoli Gardens slowly gained momentum, their first clear-cut chance on goal falling to the boots of Nickalia Fuller, whose shot was inches wide.

While goalscoring chances were few and far between, Morgan, who came on as a substitute, found himself unmarked at the far post on the back of his team’s counter-attack, easily converting from close range.

Jerome Waite, head coach of Tivoli Gardens, said Morgan’s goal was simply down to his striker’s instinct. He added that entering Monday’s game without a victory meant the team was under pressure to deliver.

“Morgan left from the right side of the pitch and found himself on the left side to make a tap in. That’s something that you can’t coach. That came down to his knowledge and understanding as he just came on the pitch and executed. Having played three games prior to this one without a victory meant that the players were under a lot of pressure,” he stated.

Paul Walker, assistant coach of Racing, explained that, as a coaching staff, their primary focus is keeping the team focused on the task at hand.

Walker also backed Biggs, despite his profligacy, saying his form would improve.

“We as the coaches, we have to continue working in order to keep the unit as strong as possible. I think we’ll get better as we’re just not scoring. By the season goes on, he’ll get better and we’ll just go back and keep on working,” he said.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com