PREMIER LEAGUE frontrunners Tivoli Gardens outlasted a spirited second-half performance from Major League side Barbican to emerge 2-1 winners and advance to the third round of the COK Champions Cup at Barbican yesterday.

In a first half, which they dominated, Navion Boyd coasted in unmarked to fire Tivoli into the lead in the 18th minute. The Barbican backline once again came up short two minutes from the half-time whistle, when Jermaine Taylor crept past the Barbican defence before sidefooting past keeper Donovan Walker.

However, Barbican came out a determined outfit in the second period and found themselves back in the game soon after the resumption. In front of goal, Kevin Blackford dawdled a bit too long, which allowed Dasean Meek to win the ball before firing past Tivoli keeper Damion Crooks.

Underdogs

After more promising spells of possession, Jermaine Harris threatened to pull the underdogs level but his header from a 77th-minute corner flew just over the crossbar. Streaking from the midfield, Oraine Simpson threatened to put the issue beyond doubt but his powerful blast from the edge of the 18-yard area was acrobatically turned out of goal by keeper Walker.

In the day's other game, Humble Lions also booked their place in the next round of the competition following a 2-1 win over Duhaney Park at York Town.

Erroll Reid put the home team ahead in the ninth minute but Omar Williams found the equaliser for Duhaney Park in the 17th.

Kevrald Stewart sealed the deal with his goal in extra time.

In yesterday's late game, Harbour View were down to tackle Premiership rivals Arnett Gardens at the Harbour View Mini-Stadium.