AFTER recovering from a slow start to the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League football season, Tivoli Gardens FC Head Coach Jerome Waite believes the team can break into the top six, after registering their sixth win in as many games.

The west Kingston-based team left it late to beat Dunbeholden FC 2-0 at Stadium East on Sunday.

After failing to convert some clear-cut opportunities, Tivoli Gardens were gifted the lead in the 84th minute when Dunbeholden defender Chevoy Watkin incredibly lobbed his goalkeeper Romaine Hamilton from 25 yards out.

Tivoli would ensure one of their players got on the scoresheet as substitute Steve Clarke slotted home from close range in the second minute of stoppage time.

Though disappointed they didn’t score more, Waite was pleased his team overcame the windy conditions.

“It wasn’t an easy game. The first half, we were up against the breeze. And it was a matter of being more disciplined and patient, knowing the opponent had that advantage, so we had to ensure we nullified them and keep a clean sheet, which we did. During the half-time break I spoke about having the advantage so we just need[ed] to push players forward and, eventually, we got the job done,” he said.

Tivoli started the season hovering around the relegation zone with just one win from their opening 10 games, but they have since picked up 19 points from a possible 24. They’re now currently seventh in the league table on 26 points, just four outside the play-off spot.

Waite says the team needs to continue the momentum as they hunt the top six.

“We’ve had discipline, hard work, commitment, team camaraderie. We’re not playing fully collectively, because there are areas to improve, but all of those things are part of [our recent run],” he said.

“We’re already aware of our position, and to get closer to the leading pack it basically means we have to continue winning. Once [we] continue winning it basically means someone will have to lose — and that will eventually give us a chance to break into the top six,” Waite added.

Dunbeholden Head Coach Harold Thomas, in his first game back with the club, says changes will be necessary for their growth as they’re winless in their last eight games, sitting just a point above the drop zone in 12th on 15 points.

“The fact that we played 84 minutes and just shut off after that indicates that there’s serious consideration for fitness and there’s need for rejuvenation, it seems. Not everybody can play at this level so now is the time and opportunity to make some changes,” said Thomas.

SUNDAY’S RESULTS

Tivoli Gardens 2, Dunbeholden 0

Mount Pleasant 2, Arnett Gardens 0

Portmore 4, Harbour View 0

Vere 0, Waterhouse 3

Humble Lion 1, Chapelton 0

MONDAY’S GAMES

5:00 pm – Molynes vs Montego Bay @ Anthony Spaulding Complex

7:45 pm – Cavalier vs Racing @ Anthony Spaulding Complex

Tivoli Gardens FC’s Nickalia Fuller (left) challenges Dunbeholden FC’s Ricardo Thomas for the ball during the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League football match at Stadium East on Sunday. (Naphtali Junior)

WAITE … once [we] continue winning it basically means someone will have to lose — and that will eventually give us a chance to break into the top six (Photo: Karl Mclarty)