Rivoli United renewed their hopes of avoiding relegation in the 2015/16 Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) season with a entertaining 3-2 win over Boys’ Town at Barbican Stadium yesterday.

A brace from Nicholas Scott (15th and 73rd minutes) and another from Ross Burton (32nd) secured the much-needed three points for the St Catherine-based team.

Rafiek Thomas in the 45th minute and Shamar Nicholson in the 84th got the goals for Boys’ Town.

Despite the win, Rivoli remain in the lower half of the 12-team standing on 22 points, while Boys’ Town held firm in eighth position on 27 points.

It was a game of two tales as gusty winds made it both difficult and easy for both teams when playing the aerial route.

Rivoli played a more composed first half and applied consistent pressure to a flat-looking Boys’ Town unit.

The opening goal inevitably came when a wind-aided free kick from Kemar Bennett was well blocked by Kirk Porter in goal for Boys’ Town, but Scott was on hand to head in the rebound.

The lead was doubled 17 minutes later when Bennett again delivered a well-weighted corner, which was this time met by the lanky Burton who was left unmarked at the far post.

Boy’s Town clawed their way back into contention just before the break, courtesy of Thomas who arrived on time to tap home a cross from Kimarley Fray to make it 2-1.

The ‘Red Brigade’ came out more purposeful at the resumption and orchestrated a slew of attacks in the press for the equaliser. But as fortune would have it, they fell further behind when Scott again got on the decisive end of another cross, this time from Kevin Graham.

However, Boys’ Town responded 13 minutes later, albeit fortuitously, when Daemion Benjamin headed the ball onto to foot of Nicholson and the added pace took it past custodian Lavar Williams.

With the added drama in the latter stages of the contest, Boys’ Town were offered an opportunity from a set play to secure a point when Peter Keys was brought down in the arch.

But the hapless Xavian Virgo watched in despair as his free kick left Williams beaten, but just went wide of the right upright.

Meanwhile, in the other early fixture, Reno FC defeated Cavalier SC 2-0 at Frome Complex in Westmoreland. Leaders Portmore United and fourth-placed Humble Lion were goalless at press time in their encounter at Effortsville.

Teams:

Boys’ Town FC — Kirk Porter, Kimarley Fray(Michael Blygen 81st), Rupert Murray, Victor Thompson, Garfield Gillespie, Peter Keys, Shamar Nicholson, Rafiek Thomas, Chavanney Willis(Omar Palmer 73rd), Daemion Benjamin, Xavian Virgo.

Subs not used: Leon Goffe, Pierre McPherson, Lennox Cargill, Michael Campbell, Kevon Willis

Booked: None

Rivoli United — Lavar Williams, Nicholas Scott, Kevin Graham, Liston James, Troy Moulton, Fabian Gordon, Raymond Williamson, Lenworth Pine(Kenny Lee 77th), Jeremy Nelson, Kemar Bennett, Ross Burton(Valentine Gardner 84th).

Subs not used: Marlon Henry, Dellon Dixon, Jermaine Henry, Ryan Smart, Ackeem Cole

Booked: none

Referee: Dwight Royal

Assistant Referees: Keble Williams; Stephanie Yeesing

Fourth Official: Gawane Scott

Match Commissary: Gawane Scott