THE mid-table National Premier League battle between former champions Tivoli Gardens and rookies August Town at the Barbican playing field failed to spark yesterday.

Both teams literally went through the motions without a hint of industry and purpose - perhaps triggered by the fact that the title race is all but over, with Harbour View in a virtually unassailable position with three rounds to go.

But there were a few goal-mouth moments which gave the sparse crowd something to cheer about.

August Town, the surprise team of the tournament, were the first to express goalward ambitions in the 11th minute, but poor shooting by Ross Burton undermined a promising building-up down the right flank.

After a dry spell in attack, the NPL newcomers again threatened in the 66th minute when veteran midfielder Daniel Shaw blasted a volley from the edge of the area onto the horizontal.

While the game was fairly even throughout in terms of ball possession, Tivoli had the better share of chances to score, but luck was not on their side.

Roland Dean came closest, but his powerfully-struck shot from 17 yards crashed onto the crossbar before spiralling back into play.

The result leaves Tivoli on 46 points in fifth position in the standings, while August Town remain sixth with 41.

August Town - Damion Campbell, Tafari O'Connor, Derrick Smith, Nicholas Smith, Rohan Reid (Arjuran Brown 45th), Ross Burton (Akeem Thenstead 69th), Aphas Bernard, Daniel Shaw, Ziecko Herrera, Kevin Blair, Kadian Lecky.
Subs not used: S Haughton, C Barrett, R Palmer, R Hoo
Booked: Blair (10th), Smith (64th), Bernard (66th)

Subs not used: L Gordon, J Thompson, A Weir
Booked: Dean (62nd)
Referee: Howard Stennett
Assistants: Paulette Riley, Tristan Tulloch
Fourth Official: Nigel Roberts
Match Commissary: Deloris Williamson

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