Tivoli coach believes play-off spot attainable
AFTER Tivoli Gardens FC ended their six-match losing streak in the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League, Head Coach Jerome Waite believes a play-off spot is very much in reach as they head into the final round of the regular season.
Tivoli registered a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Dunbeholden on Sunday at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex.
The visitors took the lead inside the first 10 minutes through Clive Wedderburn.
However, the west Kingston side wasted no time in responding as Alton Lewis in the 13th minute and Joshua Dewar in the 22nd minute ensured Tivoli walked away with three points for the first time since the end of January.
“We continue to give up early goals but, you know, we still maintain composure and eventually we got two goals — and that was what made the difference in the game,” said Waite.
The win moves Tivoli to 33 points, four behind sixth-placed Waterhouse FC who are in the coveted play-off spot with 13 games remaining.
However, after picking up just two wins from their last 11 encounters, Waite says his team will need a change of mindset if they are to achieve their goal.
“We will have to start a winning run. Every team that plays in the premier league, one of their main objectives is to reach the top six — and that is what we’re looking forward to,” he said.
“It’s a long task [but] it’s not difficult [so] we have to just continue to get three points. It always has to do with the frame of mind that these players are in and what you do on the pitch to ensure that it inspires them to continue to do well.”
Despite the defeat, Dunbeholden remain a point behind Tivoli and five from a play-off spot.
Head Coach Byjeon Thomas says they’ll have to make some adjustments going forward.
“It’s never good to lose. I think today we defeated ourselves; we played right into Tivoli’s hands. We just have to go back and train and see how best we [can] approach the game,” he said.
“I think it’s a work in progress. I don’t think the coaches have fully put their imprint on the team but I have seen advances. We just continue to work.”
SUNDAY’S RESULTS
•Tivoli Gardens 2, Dunbeholden 1
•Cavalier 1, Phoenix Chapelton 0
•Portmore 1, Treasure Beach 1
