Kwesi Mugisa, Staff ReporterA SUBLIME goal four minutes from time by Tivoli Gardens captain Jermaine Allen pushed his team to a 2-1 victory over Jamaica College (JC), booking their place in the semi-finals of the ISSA/Pepsi/JN Walker Cup at the National Stadium yesterday.
The striker picked up the ball at the top of the 18-yard box and wove his way through four defenders, before firing the ball to the left of a fully-stretched Geovani Gordon, custodian of the JC net.
This was to be Allen's second inspirational contribution of the game. Leading by example, he fired his team into the lead in the 23rd minute with a well-placed free-kick from just about 25 yards out, which flew over the wall and curled out of the reach of the diving Gordon.
But the encounter had been a rugged one, the creative players from both teams had often been stifled as they were constantly barged out of possession by very stern defending.
EARLY GOAL
While the early goal had pushed Jamaica College on the back foot, a promising second half spell would see them find inspiration of their own through right back Adrian Christian, who equalised in the 67th minute.
Christian dribbled down the flank and fired a high looping ball towards goal. Instead of punching the ball to safety, Tivoli custodian Horatio Nelson elected to hold the ball, but he misjudged the catch and it then slipped through his hands and into the back of the net.
Both coaches admitted the game being the sternest challenge so far this season. But JC's Alfred Henry insisted that his team will not be deterred by the loss.
"Our preparation is a work in progress, we will take the positives try to eliminate the negatives and just move one," he remarked.
"We did not play up to expectations, but for us as such a young team to get this far is commendable. We are still in a developmental stage and I am satisfied," he said.
Tivoli coach, Dave Clarke, while happy with the win, took time out to commend his opponents.
"To beat JC which I consider to be a good team is a plus for us. We are hoping that with this sort of lift the momentum and carry us straight through," he said.
In the day's early encounter, a 14th minute strike by Charlie Smith's Michael Russell was good enough to turn back first time entrants Eltham High 1-0.
Eltham, while having numerous opportunities to score, were let down by wayward finishing.
YESTERDAY'S RESULTS
| Eltham High | 0 | Charlie Smith | 1 |
| Jamaica College | 1 | Tivoli Gardens | 2 |
TODAY"S GAMES
Calabar High vs St. Andrew TechnicalWolmer's Boys' vs Norman Manley at 1:00p.m.Matches will be played at the National Stadium at 3:00p.m.
