JPL: Fuller on target as TG tighten grip on sixth spot

by

March 24, 2025

Photo

Roshawn Oldfield (left) of Tivoli Gardens FC is challenged for the ball by Jevoun Bascoe (centre) and Tajay Grant from Racing United during their Jamaica Premier League football match at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex yesterday.

Tivoli Gardens ace attacker Nichalia Fuller netted the only goal, his third free kick and ninth goal of the season, as his club turned back Racing United 1-0 in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) at the Edward Seaga Complex yesterday to tighten their grip on sixth spot.

The win lifted Tivoli to 45 points, four clear of Racing United and Waterhouse, who both follow close behind on 41. However, Fuller who has consistently proven his quality on dead balls this season, said he practises free kicks every day and that he lives for these moments.

"Set pieces are really my thing. I live for these moments. This is just my thing," he stated.

"Every day I come to training I practise free kicks and penalties. And it gives me a wonderful feeling to get the winner. From last week they (fans) have been telling me that I need to find the winner in the Racing game. Today is also a special day as it is the birthday of one of my friends who has passed away. So I want to give God thanks," Fuller said.

The 21-year-old believes he is truly finding his feet in the league this season, and will continue to lead Tivoli's fight for a playoff spot.

"Last season I was struggling to score goals and find assists. Now this season I am on the charge with goals and assists and I am having a wonderful season.

"We will definitely hold on to the playoff spot, as this is Tivoli Gardens. We are always going to fight. And definitely you can look to Fuller leading the charge to the playoffs," he said.

Tivoli coach Jerome Waite said the win is a great boost for their playoff aspirations.

"It's pleasing to have increased our advantage, and as long as we continue to win it will be difficult for anyone to catch us.

"Today wasn't an easy game. Racing came and put out their best but in the end we scored an excellent free kick from the youngster Nichalia Fuller. He is a youngster and he has a lot to learn and he can only get better as the season progresses," Waite said.

Racing assistant coach Paul Walker said they could have left with a point.

"It was a very poor game from us but we got our chances and could have come out with at least a draw," he said.

Meanwhile, Chapelton Maroons snapped Portmore's three match winning streak, beating the former championship 1-0 at the Ferdie Neita Park, through Javel Ellis' 31st-minute goal.

The win push Chapelton two places up the table to 10th on 29 points while Portmore stayed fourth with 53.

The matches between Vere Phoenix and Dunbeholden, and Humble Lion and Montego Bay United both ended goalless.

Montego Bay remained in second on 64 points, four adrift of leaders Mount Pleasant. Humble Lion stayed second from bottom with 25.

Dunbeholden are ninth on 33 and Vere sit at the foot of the standings on 23.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com