Three finals but no trophy for Tivoli

Ainsley Walters, Freelance Writer

TIVOLI GARDENS manager Brian Rose on Tuesday bemoaned what he described as a "disappointing season" after going down 2-0 to Waterhouse in the final of the City of Kingston Champions (COK) Cup final at Harbour View Mini-Stadium.

Determined to end the season with at least one major trophy after finishing fifth in the Premier League and losing the Jackie Bell title in the boardroom, Waterhouse lifted the COK title with goals in either half from Roberto Fletcher and Kenardo Forbes.

"It was a disappointing result, three finals with nothing to show," said Rose, whose team contested two end-of-round finals in the Premier League in addition to yesterday's national knockout final.

Ironically, Waterhouse ensured Tivoli completed the season without a trophy, beating them for the second time in a final after edging the men from west Kingston 1-0 in the second round final of the Premiership.

"It was a disappointing season. Overall, the players gave all and must take credit for their efforts, but consistency let us down," said Rose.

Waterhouse grabbed the lead in the 32nd minute when Roberto Fletcher headed past Edsel Scott off a perfectly weighted right-sided cross from Kirk Ramsey.

The men from Drewsland got their clincher in the 89th on a counter-attack as Tivoli pressed forward in search of an equaliser to send the game into extra time.

Kenardo Forbes, who had a splendid game in midfield, got a through pass and went on a searing run from near half-line on the left side.

The 20-year-old, former Bridgeport High Manning Cup winner, bore down on Tivoli captain Kasai Hinds, cut inside the sweeper and buried a right-footer to the back post from 12 yards with goalie Edsel Scott well beaten.

Fairclough said the COK victory was a booster for his team after their fifth place finish.

"Today's win was a morale-boosting one for us. We didn't play good football in the third and fourth round of the Premier League," he said.