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Goalkeeper Williams helps Portmore to draw with Tivoli
November 28, 2023
Portmore United goalkeeper Tyrone Williams was the difference, as they battled to a 0-0 draw with Tivoli Gardens in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) at Stadium East last night.
Williams, who recently played in the French fourth tier, made three brilliant saves in the first half to keep Portmore in the contest, and the 26-year-old, who joined Portmore over the summer, said he was pleased to help them earn a point while on his mission to earn a Reggae Boyz call-up.
"This is my third clean sheet, and I hope to continue with more. I want to be focused on myself and the team. I want us to do the best we can, in the league and for myself so people can see me.
"I am taking it day by day and, hopefully, people are watching and recognising me, but it all starts on the training pitch, and I'll continue to focus there first," Williams said.
Tivoli were the more purposeful and had the better chances, with only Williams' brilliant stop early in the match keeping the game scoreless.
They had another great chance midway through the first half when a Portmore defender turned the ball towards his goal from six yards, but Williams reacted sharply to turn it over for a corner.
Nickalia Fuller had another glorious chance for Tivoli when Jay-Neil Wray played a low ball across the area. Fuller could not keep his effort on target while being pressured by a defender.
Towards the end of the half, Williams had to be at his best again, showing lightning reflex to turn a goalbound shot away for a corner.
"The reaction save from my defender (was hardest) because I was coming across (the goal) when he hit it. I was shocked, so I had to make a quick reaction.
"I just got myself in position and ensured I saw the ball. I know I have good footwork, and if I find my steps, I know I'll get my hands to it," Williams commented.
Tivoli coach, Jerome Waite, believes they would have taken three points had it not been for Williams' heroics.
"I can't take anything away from Portmore, but the 'keeper came up big on three occasions. Maybe, if it was another 'keeper it would have been different," Waite said.
Portmore coach, Philip Williams, also paid tribute to his outstanding shot-stopper.
"He is a Portmore product. He was away for a while, and he reached out to us in the offseason, we gave him a chance, and tonight he came up trumps. He kept us in the game, basically," he said.
Tivoli stayed fifth with 10 points, while Portmore remained in third with 11.
