Rasbert Turner, Spanish Town
A 29th minute goal by Greg Gardener enabled Rivoli to break its scoreless jinx and took them to a 1-0 victory over Sporting Central Academy in their Digicel Premier League match at the Spanish Town Prison Oval yesterday.
Both teams were full of expectations going into the match which was well attended, as Rivoli had lost both its opening games and Clarendon's Sporting Central had made a much better start, accumulating four points after winning and drawing in its previous matches.
It was the former, however, who fulfilled theirs while accounting for the game's only goal. After receiving a through pass from Luke Soares in the 29th minute, Gardener made no mistake by burying the ball past the Sporting Central custodian and into the net.
Several substitutions
Despite several substitutions in the second half and several near scoring chances for both teams, no more goals were forthcoming and Rivoli, which just returned to the premier league, advanced their tally to three points from as many matches.
Chairman of the club, Keith Noel, said: "This shows that we are just getting in the mood of the Premier League and it is hoped that we will continue to rise to the occasion."
The coach of Sporting Central, Christopher Dawes, said that despite the loss, he thinks this was the best game they have played since the start of this season.
"We created many chances. However, we just did not capitalise, that's why we lost," he noted.
Results, scorers and standings after yesterday's matches in the Digicel Premier League.
Meadhaven 1 Harbour View 2
Meadhaven - Keammar Daley 40th pen.; Harbour View - Lovel Palmer 25th, 83rd
Rivoli 1 Sporting Central Academy 0
Rivoli - Greg Gardener 29th
Arnett Gardens 0 Waterhouse 1
Waterhouse - Irvino English 23rd pen.
St Georges Sports Club 0 Tivoli Gardens 0
The Reno vs Boys' Town match was blown off due to heavy rainfall, which made the surface unplayable at St Elizabeth Technical High. No goal had yet been scored.
Village United and Portmore United played in last night's late game at Jarrett Park.
Standings
| Teams | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
| Portmore | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| H View | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 7 |
| Sporting | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Boys' Town | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Waterhouse | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 7 |
| St Georges | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Tivoli | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Meadhaven | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 2 |
| Reno | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Village | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1 |
| Arnett | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Rivoli | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
