Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter
Village United goalkeeper Elvis Hart is comprehensively beaten by a shot from the boot of Tivoli Garden's Christopher Nicholas (not seen) for his second of four goals at the Edward Seaga Stadium yesterday. Tivoli won the game 4-0 - JUNIOR DOWIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
TIVOLI GARDENS, led by four goals from by in-form striker Christopher Nicholas, continued their good form when they hammered Village United 4-0 in their Wray and Nephew National Premier League fixture at the Edward Seaga Stadium yesterday.
Tivoli, fresh from a road triumph over former NPL leaders Portmore United, looked the superior team against an unmotivated Village United. Windy conditions saw very casual play by Village as they lacked fluency in putting their attacks together.
Tivoli, who had the majority of the play, opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Markino Gillings, breaking into the penalty box, fired to goal. The angle was well cut by goalkeeper Elvis Hart as he produced a brilliant save but he was left helpless on the rebound which saw Nicholas charge in to put his team ahead.
Poor marking led to Nicholas adding a second goal three minutes later. Wanting for company at the back post, Nicholas made the best of his situation by using the outside of his boot to curl the ball around Hart at his near post.
PROBLEMS COMPOUNDED
Village's problems were compounded in the 26 minute when Garfield Jackson was given his marching orders by referee Courtney Campbell for leaving out his arm to floor Kemar Mills who threatened to break to goal. The writing was on the wall for Village who looked ill-equipped to deal with the bulky Nicholas, who constantly looked to be a menace.
A BONUS
The second half saw him add to his tally when a pass sent him rushing into the box and, despite the best efforts of the defenders to hold him back, he muscled his way through to beat a fully outstretched Hart for a 67th minute hat-trick.
On the stroke of full time he got himself a bonus for his efforts when a brilliant speedy breakaway down the right flank by Orane Simpson led to him crossing the ball along the ground.
Nicholas then pounced to slot the ball past a hapless Hart to add his and Tivoli's fourth in the 90th minute.
Village United's coach, Dean Weatherly, admitted that it was difficult to keep his team on the same motivational level but remained positive.
"In everything you have to look at the bright side. It's a rebuilding year for us and there is a lot of talent in the West and they have to be nurtured," Weatherly said.
Tivoli's manager, Brian Rose, was happy for the victory and looked ahead.
"Our focus right now is to go for the trophy, our mental preparation has been very good and very strong and the main factor is to focus on our mental capacity," he said.
