Boyd's beauty puts TG in front

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Defending champions Tivoli Gardens overtook Harbour View atop of the Digicel Premier League (DPL) yesterday, edging Village United 1-0 courtesy of a Navion Boyd beauty at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex.

Boyd, who returned from a trial stint with US Major League Soccer outfit Houston Dynamos last week, netted in the 45th minute as Tivoli, who started the round in second place, skipped their rivals, who lost 3-2 to relegation-threatened Rivoli United at Spanish Town Prison Oval.

The win propelled Tivoli to 57 points, the same as Harbour View, who have a plus-18 goal difference, compared to Tivoli's plus-28.

After a fairly competitive opening 30 minutes, Tivoli began to show their class towards the latter part of the first half and, on the stroke of half-time, Boyd delivered what could easily be described as one of the best goals of the season.

Outstanding Keammar Daley

The fleet-footed striker, who, along with midfielder Keammar Daley, was a constant thorn in the Village defence, picked up a ball about 25 yards out and unleashed a rocket of a shot, which nestled in the 'pigeonhole' of the goal.

"It feels good to score such a goal, which not only gave us the lead, but also helped us secure three points," said Boyd. "It's now down to nine games and all we have to do is keep focused. We are very much confident we can defend our title."

Village coach, Paul 'Tegat' Davis, said: "I didn't think Tivoli played all that well today and, as such, we should have come away with at least a point.

"It's a disappointing result, given the fact that we are trying to stay afloat. We just have to keep digging," Davis added.