NEWCOMERS University of the West Indies (UWI) FC suffered their third consecutive defeat in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) when they went down 0-1 to Rivoli United FC at Prison Oval on Sunday.

UWI, who lost 0-3 to both champions Arnett Garden FC and Montego United FC in their first two outings, are yet to earn respect since promoted to the top-flight league this season, and remain at the bottom of the 12-team table without a point.

On the flip side Rivoli United were tasting victory the first time after they drew 0-0 with Waterhouse FC in their opening game before losing 0-1 to former champions and leaders Portmore United last week.

Rivoli United by virtue of Sunday’s win moved to fifth position in the standing on four points, the same as Cavalier FC and Humble Lion FC.

It took Rivoli United 60 minutes to get the party going when striker Cory Burke was left unmarked to dribble and shoot past a helpless Amal Knight in UWI’s goal.

It was a well-deserved victory for Rivoli United as the Spanish Town-based team showed slight improvement in their attacking unit compared to previous games.

However, it was UWI who started the show the more confident and focused team, creating numerous chances, but the lack of experience in the big league had a telling effect on their strikers as they failed to convert gilt-edged opportunities.

UWI could have opened the scoring in the 20th minute, but Rochane Smith’s curling shot from 30 yards out was tipped over the crossbar by Damian Campbell in Rivoli United’s goal.

Rivoli United then hit back through Burke, who failed to convert as both teams played to a 0-0 scoreline at the break.

A second half talk from coach Harold Thomas spurred his team as Rivoli United dominated and outclassed their lesser fancied rivals for the remaining 45 minutes of the game.

Burke was again at it as he breached UWI’s defence in minute 60 and easily tapped home the only goal of the game.

However, Rivoli United then had to withstand constant pressure from UWI in the last five minutes of the game before they could celebrate their first win on home soil.

Thomas said that he was happy with the victory.

“It is good to get the three points and as a coach you are always going to be happy with any victory,” he told the Jamaica Observer.