A late strike by Elton Thompson led Tivoli Gardens FC to a fiery 1-0 win over Maverley/Hughenden FC in their Red Stripe Premier League game at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex yesterday.

Thompson popped up in the second minute of time added to tap home after goalkeeper Jovel Plunkett blocked a low grounder from substitute Marvin Stewart into his path.

It was Tivoli Gardens’ seventh win in their last eight games and their 11th overall from 18 matches. It sends them clear into second on 35 points.

The promoted Maverley/Hughenden, who saw their three-game unbeaten run halted, remain in eighth spot on 20 points. They are five points adrift of the final play-off spot.

In front of a packed venue, the game wasn’t the most beautiful one, but very combative, especially with six former Tivoli Gardens players starting for Anthony Patrick-coached Maverley/Hughenden.

It was a crucial psychological home victory for a Tivoli Gardens team that saw their six-game winning streak come to an end before the holiday break. The Omar Edwards-coached outfit remain just three points behind the leaders Montego Bay United. They are three points ahead of The University of the West Indies, who lost 3-5 to Arnett Gardens FC.

Teams:

Tivoli Gardens — Davin Watkins, Shavar Campbell, Barrington Pryce. Romaine Breakenridge, Nicholas Smith, Rohan Reid (Marvin Stewart 69th), Tevin Shaw, Ajuma Johnson (Junior McGregor 67th), Miguel Ricketts, Jermaine Johnson, Elton Thompson (Kemar Seivwright 95th).

Subs not used: Edsel Scott, Rushane Facey, Kevin Graham, Leroy Jones.

Booked: Tevin Shaw 7th, Shavar Campbell 39th, Romaine Breakenridge 57th, Elton Thompson 90+2.

Maverley Hughenden — Jovel Plunkett, Shamari Dyer, Liston James, Kasai Hinds (Denardo Thomas 78th), Robert Williams, Roberto Fletcher, Andrew White, Andrew Peddlar, Rodico Wellington. Nicholas Scott (Claudious Blackburn 68th), Jamoy Sibbles.

Subs not used: Damian Campbell, Troy Moulton, Wayne Williams, Rohan Williams, Ricardo Thomas.

Booked: Robert Williams 7th, Andrew White 8th.

Referee: Daneon Parchment

Assistant referees: Lloyd Edwards, Nicholas Anderson

Fourth official: Odette Hamilton

Match Commissary: Garfield McDonald