Courtesy of a hard-fought 3-2 victory over nearest rivals and title contenders, Islanders FC, Wolues FC claimed their first-ever National League Championship at Greenland Football Field on May 12, 2024. Photo: BVIFA

Wolues' 3-2 win over Islanders FC at the Greenland Football Field on May 12, 2024, saw them reach an unassailable forty-five points with one game remaining; four points clear at the top of the standings. Photo: BVIFA

The Islanders had to win the game to stand a chance of their ninth title and must have feared the worst when they fell into a two-goal hole, thanks to a goal direct from a corner by Phil Nelson and a strike from Kieran Brown.

A battle of champions

However, Islanders dug deep and came back strongly in the second half, as minutes after they missed a penalty, Osworth Holder reduced the deficit to 2-1 and nine minutes later Antonio Rodney levelled things up at 2-2. The parity didn’t last long though as Alexander Edwards put the Wolues back ahead for good in the 66^th minute, latching onto a flick from Hugo Costa Liziario.

“We played a good first half and controlled a lot of the possession,” noted an exuberant Nelson. “Our first goal was a little fortunate as it found its way in directly from a corner but was an important one for settling us down and giving us confidence. Kieran then made a great finish after some good play from our forward players. We weathered the storm, found the winner, and then held on again, riding it out without too many more scares.”

Nelson also commented that everyone involved with the club is delighted to have won their first title and that the club has been gradually improving over the past years. “Last year winning the Presidents cup and now this, all credit goes to the players past and present. We are already looking to retain that Cup and are fully focused to try and be victorious. Credit to Islanders and VG United who made it a difficult and an exciting league season, pushing all the way.

One Love beat Old Madrid 4-1

There are still some exciting battles to take place with Lion Heart and One Love FC in the race for the fourth and final top four place and a berth in the post season. One Love recorded yet another win in their late surge up the standings, beating Old Madrid 4-1.

The goals came from Brent Bowman (2), Alcise Savory and Latriel Williams, whilst Nano Ottley scored the consolation goal for OMFC.

“It’s getting very tense in the race now,” commented Coach Javon Carty. “We have three games to play, Lion Heart on Wednesday, Wolues and then VG, but a win against LHFC and we will be into the post season. We will definitely go out there looking to win each game and even if we lose to Lion Heart, we still have two bites of the cherry.”

VG United hammer Rebels 7-0

VG United also recorded a win at the weekend, 7-0, against Rebels FC and that meant they are guaranteed third place. “It was a good win,” noted Manager Jermain Abrams. “After a little slide, it was good to get some momentum back into the games heading into the Presidents Cup and will be looking to finish the season strongly.”

The goals for VG United came from a Levon Williams hat trick, a brace from Joel Mars, and one apiece from Denvin Jones and Jaadon Quashie.