A compact three-timer from Shawn Hinds propelled Rivoli United to a crucial 4-2 beating of Montego Bay United (MBU) in a fast-paced penultimate prelimnary-round encounter in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) at Spanish Town Prison Oval yesterday.

Hinds scored in the 30th, 39th and 90th minutes, with Valentine Gardner notching the other in the 64th minute. The prolific Owayne Gordon notched a consolation brace for MBU in the 35th and 87th minutes.

With the win, the Bradley Stewart-coached team kept their hopes of another season in the nation’s top-flight league alive as they moved up to 33 points with one round of games remaining. Montego Bay United remain in third spot on 56 points.

It was a decisive encounter for both teams who were faced with contrasting scenarios at either end of the 12-team standing.

For MBU, it was a task of snapping a four-game winless run and improving their form ahead of the semi-finals, while getting one step closer to the $1-million prize money for the team with the most points at the end of the preliminary round.

However, Rivoli United, faced with the daunting task of battling relegation, stood up well to the challenge, thanks to the heroics of Hinds.

The home team took the lead on the half-hour mark when Hinds fired past Romaine Bowers in goal for MBU.

MBU were back on level terms when Gordon, after switching positions with Dino Williams, broke away down the left channel and dismissed a defender and goalkeeper Levor Williams before connecting with his second attempt on goal.

But Hinds restored Rivoli’s cushion when slotted one in from just outside the 18-yard area to make it 2-1 at the break.

The hosts were in full control on the resumption and extended their lead when Gardner, on the end of a cross from Nicholas Scott, fired home from close range.

However, the visitors maintained their composure and applied consistent pressure before inevitably pulling one back, courtesy of Gordon from close range.

With MBU sniffing closely at a point, Hinds popped up and expertly headed home from a corner kick to secure his treble and the three points before being substituted immediately after.

Teams:

Rivoli United — Levor Williams, Kemar Bennett, Nicholas Scott( Andre Hylton 90+1), Liston James, Fabian Gordon, Jeremy Nelson, Valentine Gardner, Lenworth Pine(Owen Walters 72nd), Shawn Hinds( Ryan Smart 90th), Dellon Dixon, Raymond Williamson.

Subs not used: Marlon Henry

Booked: Scott (43rd), Gardner (64th), Walters (75th)

Montego Bay United — Romaine Bowers, Owayne Gordon, Dino Williams, Ronaldo Rodney, Donovan Carey(Kashief Brown 86th), Dwayne Ambusley(Jason McLean 58th), Keneil Kirlew, Kemar Drake( Jermaine Woozencroft 73rd), Ladale Richie, Winston Wilkinson, Orlando McBayne.

Subs not used: David Swaby, Johann Weatherly, Lesly St Fleur, Donovan Brown Jr

Booked: Wilkinson (27th), Williams (43rd)

Referee: Odette Hamilton

Assistant Referees: Stacy-Ann Greyson; Princess Brown

Fourth Official: Cardella Samuels

Match Commissary: Elaine Walker-Brown