Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer
THOMPSON
IN FOOTBALL it is often said that defenders are frustrated forwards.
The penchant for some of them to disobey the instructions of coaches and venture forward or their reaction when they score, seem to confirm this.
One defender though would wish he was not finding the back of the net at all or so frequently. Tivoli Gardens central defender Victor Thompson
is that man. Just recently, in the first-leg of the Wray and Nephew Knock Out Cup, Thompson had a perfectly executed header which looped over his goalkeeper Edsel Scott, dipped under the crossbar and caressed the net of his own goal.
Opposing forwards Newton Sterling and Omar Allen tried for most of the game to beat Scott without success.
"It was just a misunderstanding between myself and the goalkeeper," was Thompson explanation after the game.
That explanation would have been understandable if it was a one-off occurrence but yesterday's strike was Thomp-son's third in four games this season against Village United. Fortunately for him and his team, it never happened again when they met in the return-leg on Wednesday, as Tivoli Gardens won 1-0.
"I do not have a habit of scoring own goals and this has really never happened to me before, especially to score three in one season while playing against the same team. Why it has happened to me I don't know. Maybe it is just a jinx on me," said Thompson, trying to figure out his ill luck.
Former Jamaica international Frank Sinclair had three own goals in successive weeks while playing for Leicester in the English First Division.
Whatever the cause, Thompson said he will not allow it to affect his game or his confidence.
"I know it is an own goal but the type of person I am I do not put it on myself and let it bother me. I put it behind me and get on with my game. I do not let it affect my game or my confidence."
His teammates have also helped to keep his spirits up.
"They are supportive. They encourage me to keep my head up and get on with my game," said the player who is yet to record a goal for his team this season.
