Two goals in four minutes propelled Tivoli Gardens to a come-from-behind 3-2 win over Arnett Gardens in their Red Stripe Premier League game at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex yesterday.

Once again, former national player Jermaine ‘Teddy’ Johnson was unstoppable, assisting in two goals before capping off a fine evening with a brilliant solo effort in the 59th minute that sealed the victory.

The towering Newton Sterling gave the visiting Arnett Gardens a third-minute lead turning in a Steve Clarke cross. But Tivoli struck back with goals from Mitchily Waul and Barrington Pryce in the 27th and 31st minutes, respectively.

With Arnett Gardens pressing for the equalising goal, Johnson collected a long clearance on the halfway line on his chest, and with two defenders on him, he went on a brilliant solo run, turned the diminutive Shawn McKoy inside out before firing across goalkeeper Damian Hyatt.

Sterling then returned in the closing minutes, firing home in the 80th minute after his initial header rebounded kindly to him and setting the stage for a tense final few minutes.

Arnett Gardens did come close on a few occasions, and when former Tivoli Gardens defender Ranike Anderson somehow headed wide from close range, the home team held on for a deserved victory.

It was the fourth-consecutive win for Tivoli Gardens and their eighth overall as they jumped into third spot with 26 points.

Head Coach Omar Edwards had high praises for Johnson and his relatively young guns.

“It was a spirited display. We went down early in the game by not marking properly and I considered that a gift to Newton Sterling. However, we managed to pick ourselves up, especially in the first half, and scored two goal,” said Edwards, who is also the National Under-17 assistant coach.

Meanwhile, Arnett Gardens, who were losing for the third time in their last four games, remained in sixth position with 19 points.

Head Coach Jerome Waite was clearly disappointed.

“We started out with a little more urgency than the Tivoli team and scored, but after that we surrendered the midfield and gave the opponent the opportunity to come back in the game,” said Waite, who is the assistant head coach of Jamaica senior team.

In other games on Sunday, Boys’ Town clipped Waterhouse 2-1 at Drewsland, which saw Irvino English of Waterhouse and Wayne Ellis of Boys’ Town both red-carded in the 54th minute.

Champions Montego Bay United edged Maverley Hughenden 1-0 and maintained their lead atop of the table with 31 points. There were 0-0 draws between Jamalco FC and Humble Lion, and Reno FC and Harbour View.

Teams:

Tivoli Gardens — Davin Watkins, Shavar Campbell, Barrington Pryce, Romaine Breakenridge, Nicholas Smith, Rohan Reid (Nickoy Christian 70th), Tevin Shaw, Ajuma Johnson, Jermaine Johnson (Miguel Ricketts 75th), Elton Thompson, Mitchily Waul (Marvin Stewart 56th).

Subs not used: Nicholas Clarke, Junior McGregor, Rushane Facey, Kemar Seivwright.

Booked: Johnson (52nd), Smith (82nd).

Arnett Gardens — Damian Hyatt, O’Neil Thompson, Jamar Martin, Ranike Anderson, Jason Moore, Marvin Morgan, Shawn McKoy, Fabian Reid (Leon Strickland 57th), Lennox Russell (Kemal Malcolm 68th), Steve Ckarke (Michaelos Martin 68th), Newton Sterling.

Subs not used: Carlloyd Walters, Neicko Williams, Jabeur Johnson, Damari Deacon.

Booked: McKoy (38th), Anderson (52nd).

Referee: Oshane Nation

Assistant Referees: Stacey-Ann Greyson,

Princess Brown.

Fourth Official: Odette Hamilton

Match Commissary: Fitzroy Reid.

— Howard Walker