A man of the match performance from Colorado Murray on Sunday night helped Tivoli Gardens FC earn three valuable points at the expense of Red Stripe Premier League leaders Portmore United, at Edward Seaga Sports Complex.

The 3-2 win for Tivoli meant that the seventh-place team remained in touch with the teams just above them, as the battle for play-off football intensifies.

With the top four teams already booking their spots in the play-offs — Arnett Gardens, UWI and Tivoli Gardens are the three remaining teams looking to lock up a spot in the play-offs with three match days to go.

While there is still all to play for, the man who got the first goal for Tivoli and was involved in the other two scored by the hosts was delighted with his team’s performance against the champions.

He dedicated the win to their coach Philip Williams, who was enjoying his first win in his fifth game in charge at the West Kingston-based club.

“I think my performance was very excellent and I am very happy. At the same time we just have to do everything for the coach — the first three points and everything is just for the coach. We just have to thank God and come again and win the three games remaining…” he said.

The Tivoli leading scorer said that the spirit of the players was immediately lifted by the much-needed win.

“The feeling in the team is much better than before because we haven’t won in four games, so I think the players and what they showed on the field…they are feeling very happy. We just need to win more games and work harder for the next games coming up.”

Tivoli’s preparation for the game was exactly what was required to get the win, according to the striker.

“Our preparation for the game tonight (Sunday) was hard work and listening to the coach, and the wide plays and getting the balls inside. If you realise, I moved from centre forward and come outside on the flanks to use my speed, so we actually used Teddy (Jermaine Johnson) to hold up the play — so it was about the wing plays and get off shots.”

Apart from getting his team into the play-offs, Murray has other sources of motivation to score.

“Every time I touch the field of play and I get the ball, first thing in my mind is to kick the ball at the goal because the Golden Boot — I need it. Other players need it as well as me but the Golden Boot, I need it I think it’s mine; I said it before and I am coming for it,” he promised.

His goal on Sunday has now put him on top spot in the Golden Boot race with 12, one more than Fabian Reid of Arnett Gardens and two more than Tremaine Stewart of Waterhouse. For the Tivoli Gardens striker to win the race, it is quite likely that they will also have to make it to the play-offs.

A taste of being in the national setup has also lit a fire in him that has the youngster yearning for more.

“I got a national call-up the other day and I spent two weeks in camp, and it was an excellent camp. Different tactics, everything was different, and I brought it here to Tivoli Gardens and everything paid off. And we got three points and I got a goal as well, so we have to come again and get some more points.

“I need to be in the national team again. There are games coming up against El Salvador and Costa Rica and I am trying my best to make the team.”

At the rate that he is going, Murray is sure to remain on the radar of the national coaches.

—Dwayne Richards