Hometown bullies inches away from cellar

File Photo: Boys Town goalkeeper, Kirk Porter

Collie Smith Drive again proved an unhappy hunting ground for visitors and Rivoli FC was the latest victim to leave without a point at Collie Smith Drive as Boys Town FC earned a hard fought 3-1 win over Rivoli in the Red Stripe Premier League on Sunday.

Rafieke Thomas, Shamar Nicholson and Micheal Blygen got the goals to ensure Andrew Price’s side pocketed three points to claw themselves away from the bottom two.

The conditions for football were immaculate as the golden sunshine pierced through the blue sky. From the toot of the first whistle revenge was all on the Boys Town team’s mind as the bitter taste of defeat from Rivoli in their last meeting still lingered on their lips. Boys Town began to click with Daemion Bejnamin, Garfield Gillispie and Andre Dawson making some silky smooth precision passes in the center of the park, much to the delight of the spectators.

Though dominating possession it wasn’t until the 15th minute of play Rivoli custodian was called into action, when Dawson’s ferocious 30 yard strike stung the palms of the goalkeeper.

Before the jubilant cheers from the spectators could die down, Thomas meticulously weaved his way through a stout Rivoli defence before shooting wide. These openings however encouraged Boys Town to attack. Peter keys absence was not noticeable as Dawson proved to be a handful for Rivoli.

Dawson ingeniously picked out Rafiek Thomas out on top of the box in minute 32 who then used his trickery and strength to get by Kevin Graham and Kemar Bennett, before shooting to the right of Shannon Bartley. His shot kissed the inside of the upright and ended up in the back of the goal.

Rivoli a goal behind still believe they are two goals better than the Red Brigades knowing they have Cory Burke the league’s runner up in scoring. Strong words from coach Calvert Fitzgerald suddenly lifted Rivoli to life as Ross Burton the only live wire for the visitors found himself with some space but his effort went high wide and handsome into the northern stands. This now becomes an end to end show piece. Thomas continue to show his worth getting chance after chance and should have added to his tally but his effort was charged away expertly by Fabian Gordon.

With less than five minutes before the break a long ball was played out of defence and caught Boys Town out of shape as Carlos Wright slipped giving Kemar Beckford all the time to find Cory Burke with a peach of a pass but he took one touch too many and allowed the defender to close him down. In the end his tame shot was easily handle by Kirk Porter the BT custodian.

With a one goal lead and a hundred strong at home, Boys Town continued to pile on the pressure in the second half. Returning from a failed effort at U20 qualifiers Shamar Nicholas quickly put that behind him and was eager to show the spectators his class. His towering strength and height gave him the advantage over the Rivoli defenders. This was evident in the 50th minute when he muscled his way through and send a thunderbolt wide.

Poor decision in the final third saw Rivoli still trailing and pretty vulnerable at the back. Coach Price saw this and urged his team to go forward. Rafiek Thomas, the goal scorer, turned provider in the 70th minute when he slipped Nicholas in with a cheeky pass. Nicholas as cool as the nose of a polar bear, smashed the ball in the top right hand corner of the goal. He then picked up a yellow card for his goal celebration.

The Spanish Town based Rivoli, known for their gutsy and workman like performances, decided not go out without a fight. This was evident in numerous attacks on the Red Brigade’s goal. They kept knocking and knocking on the ‘Tower of Babel like gates’ of Boys Town. Finally they were rewarded a goal due to some shambolic defending and a mishandling of a poor header by Troy Moulton which eventually bobbled over they line. Kirk Porter a little annoyed with himself was comforted and encouraged to press on by his teammates. He breathed a sigh of relief in the 85th when substitute Micheal Blygen just on 5 minutes before slotted home from close rang to make it 3-1.

The gulf to the top four is beyond Boys Town but a mid table finish is within sight and Rafiek Thomas, Shamar Nicholas and Micheal Blygen definitely made the right step forward for the Red Brigades.

There are still imperfections and Andrew Price was exaggerating a touch when he said they had dominated the entire match but at least they have rediscovered a winning habit and their old commitment to attacking, incisive football.

Calvert was a little hard on his team who is without a win in their last three games. He is hoping they will lift themselves out of this bad patch pretty soon.

Man of the match Rafeik Thomas.