Jamie Brown settled matters with a powerful second half strike andnow the Ballstars must beat East End to stand any chance of a post season and also a place in the Premier League. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

It took a Troy Caesar penalty to finally beat Hanif James and put the nervy Ballstars on their way to a season saving 2 -0 victory over Old Madrid. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

James had made a string of fine saves and clearances during the first half to keep the Ballstras at bay. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Needing a win to remain in the hunt for both the Heineken Cup (top two from each group) and next season’s Premier Division (top three from each group) the Ballstars suffered an anxious first 45 minutes as Old Madrid, who needed just a point to confirm their progress to both future competitions, put up a resolute defensive rear guard action.

It was not exactly one way traffic, but Hanif James was by far the busier of the keepers as he pulled off some fine saves and blocks to keep the game goalless. The Ballstars were also guilty of being over anxious and wasteful with their shots as Brown, Chris Barbour, Caesar and Jahleel Warner were all wasteful when opportunity came their way.

The best chance perhaps fell to Caesar who met an Aggrey Henry free kick perfectly on the half volley only to see his effort go narrowly high of the target. Another free kick from Rolando Codner looked like it just needed a touch from either Barbour or Brown as it was perfectly directed over the defenders and into their paths just 6 yards out. However, neither showed much desire to give it the finish it deserved and it deflected harmlessly away from goal off the shin of Barbour.

A deep cross from Brown also looked like it would break the deadlock for the Ballstars but neither Warner nor Caesar could apply the finishing touch at the far post.

Meanwhile at the other end Carlos Claxton had to be watchful as Clifton James fired a couple of powerful drives just past his post and bar.

The second half began with James once again causing concern amongst the Ballstars defense with Claxton appearing far too casual in allowing the Madrid striker to beat him to the ball. Luckily for him and the Ballstars Alvin St Ville got a vital boot to the ball as Michael Fearon appeared odds on favourite to open the scoring.

The deadlock would finally be broken from the penalty spot after James had saved from Barbour and Caesar had headed an Agrrey cross high over the bar when he should have least found the target.

For the penalty, Brown drove into the box and was impeded by Courtney Johnson as he looked to shoot giving the Referee no option but to point to the spot. With Brown off the field receiving treatment, Caesar took responsibility and fired his shot past the diving James and into the top right corner.

The Ballstars nerves were finally settled and their continued hunt for a post season berth kept alive when Brown smashed home a right foot drive 5 minutes later to make it two nil.

The Ballstars still have to win against East End next Sunday to be assured of places in the new top tier of league football next season and a place in the Heineken Cup, but even that win may not guarantee them a cup appearance. A draw condemns them to a fourth place finish and would see the Sugar Boys progress to the Heineken Cup and Premier League whilst Old Madrid would cling onto the last spot for Premier League qualification.

Word is that the Sugar Boys who currently sit in second place have appealed the six point deduction handed to them by the BVIFA Disciplinary Committee for their behavior in the Terry Evans Cup Final.

The outcome of any appeal is further clouded by the Chairman of that Committee, Ricky Davis, having returned to his native Jamaica, but if the points deduction is reduced then the best the Ballstars could achieve is a third place finish.

The Islanders beat East End 2-1 to confirm their unbeaten season.

Points standings in Group A

In the other group, the Panthers are also clinging on to hopes of progression, but face a much tougher task than the Ballstars.

The Rebels beat VG United 1-0 on Sunday February 17, 2013  to cement their position and with the Panthers having one remaining game against the Wolues they need a small miracle to reach either the cup or Premier Division.

The Wolues have two games to play and are just one win away from taking second spot from the Rebels. However if the Panthers beat them by five clear goals then their last game against the group leaders One Love will see them needing at least a point to reach the Premier League and three points to reach the cup play offs at the expense of the Rebels.

If the Wolues win both their outstanding games then they would be group winners, One Love would finish second and the Rebels would miss out on the cup.

Points standings in Group B