Devonique Gouldbourne’s brace secured a crucial win for Tivoli Gardens High against St. Jago High. Tivoli Gardens entered the encounter knowing that a victory would all but seal their spot in the second round. With everything to play for, the home team appeared intense during their warm-up and eager to go. Canadian referee Isabel Duclos read both teams their rights before blowing the whistle for kick-off. The home side began with purpose and hope, chasing the first goal.
St. Jago absorbed the initial pressure and then sprung a beautiful counterattack, catching Tivoli off guard. Gouldbourne tapped home from seven yards out in the 23rd minute to open the scoring. Tivoli then asserted their dominance and controlled the game heading into the half-time interval with a 1-0 lead.
The second half started aggressively, with St. Jago attempting to regain control. This resulted in their midfielder Reece Roman receiving a yellow card in the 50th minute. However, Roman continued his aggressive play and was shown a second yellow card just two minutes later, leading to his dismissal for violent conduct.
Tivoli quickly capitalized on their one-man advantage as Gouldbourne netted his second goal of the match in the 54th minute. The team added a third goal in the 66th minute through leading goalscorer Ryan-Oneil Francis. While Tivoli continued to pile on the goals, St. Jago kept picking up yellow cards, with Tahir Beckford receiving one in the 89th minute. Sean Cato scored a consolation goal for St. Jago, but the game ended 3-1 in Tivoli’s favor.
Other results on the day saw Hydel defeat Clan Carthy 4-0, Jonathan Grant being held to a goalless draw at home by Charlie Smith High, St. George’s College beating Norman Manley 3-1, and St. Catherine High winning 3-0 against Papine High.
Photo Credit : McNamee Sports Media
