TEN-MAN Tivoli Gardens left nine-man Barbican rooted to the bottom of the Red Stripe Premier League standings after a thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 win at the Edward Seaga Complex on Thursday.

Steve Green, the former Tivoli Gardens standout since age 13 but now in the twilight of his playing days, put Barbican 1-0 up after only four minutes.

The early setback set the tone for some really exciting football from both teams as the heavy drizzle left the field moistened enough to get the game moving at a fairly brisk pace.

Seeing that one of their former stars had turned up to put the squeeze on, Tivoli began to dig deep and challenged strongly for recompense.

But what eventually would take place was delayed as Green struck once again to leave the home team in a spin and sent them to the break trailing by two unanswered goals.

For the second session, Tivoli Gardens returned more determined. However, the enthusiasm overspilled the play and in minute 59 they went down to 10 men as Fitzroy Campbell was red-carded for dangerous play.

This followed two earlier bookings of his Tivoli Gardens teammates Robert Williams and Barrington Pryce, who were booked in the 55th and 57th minute, respectively.

Trailing and fearing defeat, Tivoli lifted their play to a new crescendo that inspired the first of two equalising goals.

In one instaance, Tivoli Gardens defender Ranike Anderson made good use of a right-side cross and headed in the goal that started the recovery with 19 minutes remaining.

This was the fillip that Tivoli Gardens were in search of and seven minutes later the equalising goal came. Coach Alvin Shaw himself seemed inspired by the team effort and made a tactical move that brought instant results. Midfielder Lennox Creary was introduced in place of Shawn McKoy, and after being on the field for less than a minute, Creary equalised from his first touch.

Tivoli Gardens were so dominant in the closing stages of the deciding half that Barbican, who had to make certain changes at the start of the second half, lost their momentum and concentration.

Barbican’s Akino Bailey was expelled from play by referee Valdin Legister in minute 87th for his second bookable offence, while Ramone McGregor got his marching orders in time added.

This was after goalkeeper Shaven Paul had to leave his line once too often and succeeded only in bringing down second-half substitute Jamoy Sibblies in the area.

Creary then stepped in to log his second from the spot and Tivoli Gardens’ third for a workman-like victory that motored them into fifth position on the RSPL standings with 38 points.

Teams:

Tivoli Gardens — Davin Watkins, Ranike Anderson, Fitzroy Campbelll, Barrington Pryce, Robert Williams, Rohan Reid (Jamoy Sibblies 57th), Andre Morgan, Shawn McKoy (Lennox Creary 77th), Weston Forrest, Nicholas Scott (Andre McFarlane 69th), Junior Flemmings.

Subs not used: Deron Duncan, Shavar Campbell, Mark Williams, Rodico Wellington

Booked: Williams (55th), Pryce (57th), Campbell (red card 59th)

Barbican — Shaven Paul, Ramone McGregor, Mario McDonald (Akino Bailey 46th), Steve Green (Shennar Parkinson 70th), Andrew Chistie (Jermaine Parris 46th) Keno Simpson, Shaquille Lewis, Nicholas Smith, Okive Blake, Kemar Thomas, Lennox Russell.

Subs not used: Nicholas Campbell, Steven Smith, Dean Phillips, Bebeto Mc Donald

Booked: Blake (71st), Thomas (75th), Bailey (85th, 87th-ejected), McGregor (80th, 90+6th-ejected)

Referee: Valdin Legister

Assistants: Ricardo Morgan, Stephanie-Dale Yee Sing

Fourth Official: Dwight Royal

Match Commissionary: Horace Lewis

— Hurbun Williams