By Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter
TIVOLI GARDENS HIGH yesterday hammered Charlie Smith 4-1 but Norman Manley's 2-0 victory over Bridgeport at the Constant Spring Complex kept them three points clear atop Manning Cup Group Three from which one team automatically advances to the semi-finals.
Norman Manley, led by Andre Fagon's 56th minute scorcher, moved to six points from two games, placing themselves in an excellent position for the second round.
"We have one game left to go against Charlie Smith and we know they will be coming for us but we will just be going out to try and win," said Norman Manley's coach, Alrick Clarke, looking to the round's final fixture.
Bridgeport have to consider themselves a bit unlucky as for the second game in a row they dominated possession but failed to find the back of the net.
In the day's early game, a 10-man Tivoli Gardens team came from a goal down to turn back a spirited Charlie Smith. Craig Hunter gave his team the early advantage in the eighth minute.
HEADBUTT FOUL
Tivoli were really up against it in the 16th minute when Winston Harris, already cautioned by the referee, headbutted a Charlie Smith opponent less than a minute later to book himself an early trip to the showers.
Despite being a man down, Tivoli assumed control of the game as they easily passed the ball around before going forward to score at will. Earl Roberts brought his team back level with a 23rd minute header.
In the second half, Fabian Campbell (52nd) and substitute Michael Spence (69th) each added a goal to the tally. Captain, Jermaine Allen capped things off in the 86th minute when a well-worked, one-two play between himself and Richard Stern saw him break wide to the left of Charlie Smith custodian Dervon Brown.
Tivoli coach Dave Clarke said he was never worried about his team falling a goal behind.
"Although we were down a goal and 10 men I knew we were always capable of beating them," Clarke said. "They are not that strong a team and we knew we would have won the game once the players put their heads to it," he said.
Tivoli now have to win against Bridgeport and hope for a Norman Manley loss against Charlie Smith if they are to advance in the top spot. Having already lost a game, advancing as the best second-place team seems highly unlikely.
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