Sugar Boys in jubilant mood after winning the President’s Cup in front of a packed vociferous crowd at the AO Shirley Recreation Ground on Sunday February 12, 2017. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

One Love's Richard Morgan was named MVP of the BVIFA National League. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Kevin Fisher of Islanders won the Golden Boot Award with 13 goals. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Maxcell Dabreo took home the BVIFA National League's Golden Gloves Trophy. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Phillip Jules was named Young Player of the BVIFA National League 2016/17. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The only goal of the game came from Terry Nanton in the 75^th minute as he appeared unmarked at the far post to head home a loose ball, which eluded Monty Butler and Nano Ottley, the latter under pressure from Derol Redhead, as they attempted to clear the danger.

Both teams put on a display to thrill the crowd and give the new President’s Cup a tremendous debut on the BVI Football Association (BVIFA) calendar, as the Association continually looks to improve the competitive nature of domestic football.

Chances went begging at both ends throughout the pulsating encounter, with Kevin Fisher and Rohan Lennon both off target for the Islanders, whilst Mohammed Kachour and Allon Williams were also guilty of wasting clear cut goal attempts.

The midfield was also full of incidents and intrigue, with many challenges proving the intense rivalry between the two teams. Fisher and Jahzeel Castillo were left in no doubt how tough things were going to be, as were Nanton, McGraw Baptiste and Akeem Hendrikson. However, in the end the match was played at thunderous speed, despite the Final being played 24 hours after the semi-finals and the skill of both teams proved an amazing advert for football.

Sweet victory

At the final whistle Nanton was breathless and struggling to contain his joy at beating the old foe in another cup final. “Yea Man, I don’t even know how to explain how I feel. I am just so happy.”

Javon Carty, Coach of the Islanders who already had the National League under their belts, was more philosophical. “We came in with some injuries and fatigue, which cost us, but at the end of the day congratulations to the Sugar Boys, they played well, fought hard and deserved the 1-0 win.”

The National League and President’s Cup Trophy presentation included awards to Phillip Jules (Panthers FC) as Youth Player of the Season, Maxcell Dabreo (Rebels FC) as Golden Glove, Kevin Fisher (Islanders FC) as Golden Boot, Ranalie Caines (Islanders FC) as Player of the Month and Richard Morgan (One Love FC) as League MVP.

Flow also presented Phones to the individual winners.

The Islanders took home $5,000 as League Champions, while the Sugar Boys pocketed $1,000 as President’s Cup Winners.