TIVOLI Gardens regained top spot in the Digicel Premier League (DPL) after brushing aside Rivoli United 2-0 at the Edward Seaga Stadium yesterday.

Keammar Daley opened the scoring with a beautiful freekick in the 75th minute before Jermaine Ricketts sealed the win with a low, long-range strike in the 84th.

It was Tivoli’s 17th win from 32 games and they moved to 63 points — two ahead of Harbour View, who lost 1-2 to Village United yesterday.

Winning coach Lenworth Hyde said his aim is to win every game from here on, with six matches remaining.

Said Hyde: “Every game is like a final to us and today was no different. We played well… we were more patient than ever and we waited for the chances and took them.”

Rivoli, who are vying for a top-six position, slipped to seventh on 37 points, three behind Village with one game remaining in the round.

Coach Oneil Thomas was disappointed with his team’s performance and also blamed the officiating.

Said Thomas: “I don’t think the game was handled well… It was a one-way street where the officiating was concerned…”

Both teams look lacklustre for the most part and although Tivoli knew title rivals Harbour View had lost in their early kick-off, they failed to sparkle.

But with 15 minutes remaining in what seemed a certain draw, substitute Rivoli defender Devon Powell handled the ball just outside the box.

This being a glorious opportunity for Tivoli to strike, several players lined up for the kick. Veteran Steve Green rushed for the ball, national player Daley stood over it, the left-footed Irvino English walked away.

But with Daley in position, Green refused to budge. Teammate Jameel Thompson could be seen pulling him away, but Green did not give in until skipper Kasai Hinds intervened.

It proved a good choice as Daley curled a beauty over the wall and into the back of the net past a bewildered goalie Leon Goffe.

A disappointed Green joined in the celebration and went over to Daley and congratulated him. Both were substituted in the 80th.

Six minutes from time, Ricketts saw his long effort dipped just in front and over a diving Goffe in goal.

It was Tivoli’s first win over Rivoli in three attempts following 3-3 and 1-1 draws.

Tivoli Gardens — Edsel Scott, Kemar Flemmings, Kasai Hinds, Victor Thompson, Irvino English, Jameel Thompson, Steve Green (Horace Sharpe 80th), Jermaine Ricketts, Keammar Daley (Kevin Blackford 80th), Roland Dean (Michael Spence 86th), Navion Boyd

Subs not used: L Gordon, C Jackson, J Taylor, D Kelly.

Booked: Dean 81st, English 89th

Rivoli United — Leon Goffe, Omar Parker, Ricardo Knight (Devon Powell 69th), Christopher Hayles, Derrick Planter (Valentine Gardner 62nd), David Lewis, Barrington Planter, Kemar Brown, Fabian Gordon, Kirk Ramsey, Devon Hodges (Talmar Warren 78th)

Subs not used: M Henry, L Soares, C Coke, O Barker

Booked: Gordon 45th

Referee: Kevin Thomas

Assistant referees: Malachi Brown, Recordus Wilson

Fourth Official: Wilverglen Lamey

Match Commissary: Horace Lewis.