Tivoli Gardens dented Waterhouse’s title ambitions and reignited their own chances with a 3-0 win in their Red Stripe Premier League game at the Edward Seaga Stadium on Sunday.

Goals by Jameel Thompson and Christopher Jackson in the 26th and 39th minutes, respectively, sent Tivoli on their way and substitute Navion Boyd sealed the win in the 83rd minute, two minutes after coming on.

Tivoli Gardens with their sixth home win from 13 matches and their 11th win overall, stayed in third spot on 42 points, one behind second-placed Waterhouse on 43 points.

Winning coach Glendon ‘Admiral’ Bailey said this was a must win game after making the necessary adjustments to get the better of Waterhouse.

Said Bailey: “We did some real tactical work. I went to the game with Montego Bay and Waterhouse and it opened my eyes somewhat tactically how to approach Waterhouse. The guys stuck to the game plan and that is what paid dividend.”

“We couldn’t afford to lose this one. We talked about it and how important this one is and where we are and losing this one would put us 12 points behind and that is why we put in so much work,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, Waterhouse coach Donovan Duckie thought is team was complacent and their opponents were more desperate for the win.

“Tivoli wanted it more, believe me. On the day it was psychological more than anything. We got the better of them two times and drew once in all competitions, so I felt we were in for a bad day. They were very hard to motivate in the dressing room. We have to quickly forget this game,” said Duckie.

Bailey left the ever-dangerous Boyd on the bench starting with national invitee Mitchily Waul and Romeo Parkes up front with the wily Mario Swaby pulling the stings in the middle.

It was no surprise when they took the lead courtesy of Thompson, who headed home a Jackson free kick in the 26th minute.

Jackson and Swaby exchanged a series of passes to dismantle the Waterhouse backline leaving Jackson with only goalkeeper Richard McCullum to beat and that he did.

Jermaine Anderson thought he had reduced the arrears in the 50th minute, but referee Kevin Thomas ruled out his effort, apparently for offside.

Duckie had brought on the livewire Damion Williams and Peter Keyes on the resumption in search of goals, but it was Bailey’s Midas touch that sealed the win.

The renown entertainer brought on Boyd in the 81st minute and two minutes later, he fired home from just inside the box after Tivoli caught Waterhouse on the counter, outnumbering them 5-2 on the break.