'Stars of East' view DPL from top

By Howard Walker Observer staff reporter walker@jamaicaobserver.com

Monday, March 15, 2010

Harbour View turned in an impressive performance beating title rivals Tivoli Gardens 2-0 in their top-of-the-table clash at the Compound yesterday and regained top spot in the Digicel Premier League (DPL).

Goals by Rafiek Thomas and John-Ross Edwards in the 51st and 65th minutes, respectively, secured Harbour View's 18th win from 30 games and pushed them to 60 points.

In what has boiled down to a two-team race to the wire with eight games remaining, the 'Stars of the East' are three points clear of Tivoli Gardens, who were suffering their first loss on the road.

In front of arguably the largest crowd at the Harbour View Mini-Stadium this season, the home team was without the mercurial midfielder Jermaine Hue and topscorer Marcelino Blackburn, while Tivoli Gardens were without top striker Navion Boyd, who was serving a suspension due to the accumulation of three yellow cards. Coach Lenworth Hyde surprised many, leaving senior players Roland Dean, Irvino English and Steve Green on the bench for this crucial encounter.

It was no surprise that the home team took control and deserved their win.

Thomas opened the scoring with a beauty in the 51st minute after cutting in from the right flank and firing a powerful shot, which sailed past goalkeeper Edsel Scott before he knew it.

John-Ross Edwards then attacked from the left flank cutting inside and saw his feeble shot go straight then through the grasp of goalkeeper Scott, making it 2-0 in the 65th minute.

Edwards had actually turned away after taking the shot thinking that the keeper had it covered, only to see his teammates celebrating.

Scott was left in tears after the game, but Edwards was more embarrassed, he barely celebrated.

Winning coach Donovan Hayles acknowledged it's a long way to go, but was grateful for the win.

Said Hayles: "It's not game over... we have eight more games to go, but it is good to win and go back into the lead."

"Rafeik came up with a brilliant goal and that was the difference in the teams, as we grew in confidence," Hayles added.

Tivoli, who ended the game with 10 men after Christopher Jackson picked up his second yellow card in the 73rd minute, also saw Jerry Walters being shown a second yellow card after the game was over for verbally abusing the referee Valdin Legister.

Walters was truly put in his place by coach Hyde who thought his team failed to sparkle for this big clash.

"It was a crucial game the three points were important, but we live to fight again we have eight remaining games. It is how we bounce back after this loss and it is important that we keep the players focused," said Hyde.

Teams: Harbour View -- Michaud Barrett, Jaron Richards (Kimarlee Brissett 46th), Montrose Phinn, Dicoy Williams, Davion Woodhouse, Richard Edwards, Romario Campbell, John-Ross Edwards, Lovel Palmer, Rafeik Thomas, Kavin Bryan,

Subs not used: Carlloyd Walters, Clifton Waugh, Fabian Campbell, Andre Fagan, Jomo Gordon.

Booked: Palmer (36th), Campbell (37th), Richard Edwards (57th).

Tivoli Gardens -- Edsel Scott, Kasai Hinds, Kemar Flemmings, Rupert Murray, Christopher Jackson, Jameel Thompson, Jermaine Ricketts (Horace Sharpe 71st), Jerry Walters, Keammar Daley, Dane Kelly (Michael Spence 66th), Errol Stevens (Roland Dean 63rd).

Subs not used: Leon Gordon, Steve Green, Victor Thompson, Irvino English.

Booked: Jackson (ejected 73rd), Jameel Thompson (43rd), Walters (72nd, 90th+)

Referee: Valdin Legister

Assistant Referees: Antonette Williams, Kedlee Powell

Fourth Official: Kevin Thomas

Match Commissary: Anthony Cooke

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