Howard Walker, Staff Reporter
Tivoli Gardens' Steve Green (left) looks at the ball as he is approached by Arnett Gardens' Kevin Wilson in Wray and Nephew National Premier League action at Edward Seaga Stadium yesterday. - ANDREW SMITH/PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
TIVOLI GARDENS and Arnett Gardens played to an exciting 1-1 draw in their Wray and Nephew National Premier League game at the Edward Seaga Stadium yesterday.
Midfielder Craig Stewart scored a glancing header to give Tivoli a 24th minute lead as the partisan fans erupted in joy.
However, Patrick Graham popped up in the 63rd minute to level the scores, heading home from a corner kick on the second attempt. Graham's initial header crashed onto the crossbar but he was quickest to the rebound to nod home.
PENALTY MISS
Kwame Richardson of Arnett Gardens had his 11th minute penalty saved by goalkeeper Edsel Scott, who also brilliantly blocked Richardson's second effort from the rebound.
Tivoli Gardens, with the point from the draw, moved into sole third position on 39 points, 15 behind leaders Harbour View.
Arnett Gardens remained in seventh position on 32 points, two behind their Collie Smith neighbours Boys' Town on 34 points.
Brian Rose, manager of Tivoli Gardens, said although his team dropped two points at home it was a fair result.
"It's an exciting rivalry and I think it was a good game as both teams played good football at times. The end result was good as both teams had their fair share of chances in the game," said Rose.
"I would be more pleased if I came out with three points, but I am still glad that I came out with one," he added.
Michael Tulloch, coach of Arnett Gardens, echoed the sentiments of Rose about the result.
FAIR RESULT
"I thought the result was a fair result for the type of game that was played. Both teams got chances that could have won the game, but in the end I think it was a fair result," said Tulloch. The perennial rivals treated the spectators to end-to-end attacking football with both goalkeepers kept busy.
Julian McLeish of Arnett Gardens was by far the busier goalkeeper and he pulled off some breathtaking saves to earned his team a point.
In the Under-21 encounter, Tivoli Gardens came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Arnett Gardens.
Craig Hunter, who captains Charlie Smith in the Manning Cup, gave Arnett Gardens a 55th minute lead, but Michael Spence, who represents Tivoli Gardens High School, equalised in the 70th for a share of the points.
GOALSHEET
Tivoli Gardens 1
Craig Stewart 24th
Arnett Gardens 1
Patrick Graham 63rd.
