A hat-trick by Kemal ‘Tull’ Malcolm propelled Arnett Gardens to a fiery 3-2 win over Tivoli Gardens in their Red Stripe Premier League match at the Edward Seaga Stadium yesterday in which both teams ended with 10 men.

Tempers flared once again in this fixture between two of the fiercest rivals in local football, which saw Rodrico Wellington of Tivoli Gardens and Damari Deacon of Arnett Gardens both red-carded in the 88th minute after exchanging blows.

Five yellow cards were also issued by referee Courtney Campbell in a hard-fought and bruising contest, and in a spirit not in tune with the Yuletide season.

But while all that threatened to cast a dark shadow, Malcolm’s brace shone brightly as he struck in the 29th, 36th and 86th minutes. His latest heroics catapulted him to third in the golden boots race on nine goals behind leader Dino Williams of Montego Bay United with 13 goals and Rivoli United’s Cory Burke on 12.

It was Arnett’s third consecutive win and their 10th from 18 games. It was also sweet revenge for the ‘Junglists’ who lost 3-2 on October 18. They will end the year in third spot on 32 points.

Former national player Jermaine Johnson had given Tivoli Gardens a third-minute lead, while National Under-20 captain Junior Flemmings converted from the spot in the 51st minute for his eighth goal of the season.

It could well be his last for Tivoli Gardens as it is said that he could be venturing overseas to play professional football.

Tivoli Gardens, who were losing their ninth game of the season, finished the year in on 19 points in ninth position. And head coach Christopher Bender is not amused sitting just two points above the relegation zone.

“Very disappointed with where we are in terms of what we could achieve. We are playing well and scoring goals, but the problem keep plaguing us as we keep giving up goals,” said Bender.

Arnett Gardens head coach, Jerome Waite, was pleased with how his teams ended the year.

“It was a very physical game because as you know it is not easy to come down by Tivoli Gardens and win any game any at all. But in the end we outscored them,” noted Waite.

Meanwhile Portmore United edged Humble Lion 1-0 at Effortville Community Centre courtesy of an Ewan Grandison goal in the 77th minute, provisionally giving Portmore top spot on 34 points. At Frome, FC Reno and Rivoli United battled to 0-0.

Teams:

Tivoli Gardens — Edsel Scott, Rodico Wellington, Robert Williams, Barrington Pryce, Shawn McKoy, Andre Morgan, Junior Flemmings, Leroy Jones (Robert Stephens 90th), Jermaine Johnson, Nickoy Christian, Andre McFarlane (Otis Friend 68th).

Subs not used: Davin Watkins, Nicholas Scott, Narada Brown, Shane Watson, Nicholas Clarke.

Booked: Wellington (88th-ejected), Johnson (41st), Morgan (71st), Robert Williams 74th.

Arnett Gardens — Damian Hyatt, O’Neil Thompson, Dicoy Williams, Jabeur Johnson, Renae Lloyd, Andrew Phang (Jason Moore 66th), Kenniel Hyde, Vishunul Harris (Jamar Martin 90th), Kemal Malcolm, Leon Strickland, Marcelino Blackburn (Damari Deacon 81st).

Subs not used: Peter Harrison, Jamar Jackson, Michaelos Martin, Lennox Russell.

Booked: Deacon (88th-ejected), Thompson (41st), Hyatt (51st).

Referee: Courtney Campbell

Assistant Referees: Damian Williams, Oyinco McTaggart

Fourth Official: Gawaine Scott

Match Commissary: Andrew Payne