Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Tivoli Gardens claimed their first major football title in three years when they defeated Meadhaven United 1-0 in the final of the KSAFA Jackie Bell Knockout at the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex on Thursday night.

A heated and controversial affair, Tivoli, whose last major title was the JFF all-island knockout in 2005/6, won the otherwise enthralling encounter on a goal from former national defender, Christopher Jackson, who netted in the seventh minute of extra time after both teams had played to a 0-0 draw at the end of regulation time.

Controversial play

Jackson was the recipient of a drop ball from the referee, who intervened in the taking of a corner to attend to another ball which was thrown on the field.

However, seeing that the Meadhaven players were unaware of what was happening and the goalkeeper off his line, Jackson fired a curling shot from his trademark left foot, which found nothing but the roof of the net.

Meadhaven players, in trying to get the play reversed, and the corner retaken, then swarmed the referee. This only resulted in a player, Lennox Creary, getting booked.

Meadhaven, in another controversial play, lost their key player, Keammar Daley, in the final minute of regulation time for violent play.

"It was an exciting game. I expected them to come at us and give us a real run and they did. But congrats to my players, they were disciplined and kept their cool throughout the game," said Tivoli coach, Lenworth Hyde Sr, who along with his assistant Max Straw were winning the trophy for the third year in a row, having done so previously with beaten semi-finalists Harbour View in 2007 and 2008.

Tivoli, for their exploits, in addition to the trophy, took home $350,000, while Meadhaven, whose coach Alrick Clarke, was gracious in defeat, pocketed $200,000.

"It was a very good game. One of the most exciting finals I have seen in a while," said Clarke, whose players controlled possession of the game for the most part until Daley was dismissed.