Islanders beat Positive FC 7-1 at Greenland Playfield on March 16, 2024. Photo: BVIFA/File

With the World Cup qualifiers against the US Virgin Islands (USVI) taking place on Friday, March 22, 2024, and Tuesday, March 26, 2024, the National League will be on a break with the Islanders FC guaranteed to be in pole position for Easter. Photo: BVIFA

Whilst the two-legged Concacaf World Cup qualifiers definitely take center stage, and the VI will be looking to avenge the last meeting between the two sides, when the USVI squeaked past them in the 2014 edition of the World Cup qualifiers, the domestic league is also turning into a three horse race.

'Goal fest'

The Islanders recorded win number seven, 7-1, against Positive FC, as uniquely, seven different scorers featured. Sheldon Harry got the ball rolling in the third minute, Andy Davis made it 2-0 in the twelfth, Oswort Holder made it 3-0 in the thirty fifth and then in the second period, Collin Lavia (48^th), Shamar Lawdon (68^th), Enrico Bowen (72^nd) and Linton Peters (79^th) all found the back of the net.

Nicardo Dixon scored a late consolation goal for Positive in the 87^th minute.

According to Islanders Manager, Fitzroy Daley, it was another great win. “Three more points and a step closer to where we need to get as a team.”

“The game was a bit one-sided, we dominated, although Positive always try to make it difficult. We controlled the ball, stopped them from playing and scored at regular intervals. We looked a little tired at the end, so will work on that to make sure we stay strong until the final whistle,” Daley added.

Sugar Boys beat Old Madrid 5-1

The Sugar Boys bounced back with a first win in six, 5-1 against Old Madrid FC and will be thankful to Lion Heart FC who recorded a 6-1 victory against Rebels FC, which put the Boys into the all-important fourth place and in with a shout of the postseason knockout.

The goals for Sugar Boys came from Terrance Nanton (2), Junior Arcila (2) and talisman Derol Redhead. “It was a crucial win and a welcome return to winning ways," stated Redhead. He added: “It’s been a tough season for us and the victory pulled us out of a hole and gave us a chance to end up in the top four. We played a number of our youth players, and the result will definitely boost their confidence. Obviously, we are looking to win all our remaining games now and salvage something silverware-wise from the season.”

Lion Heart maul Rebels 6-1

Lion Heart's goals came from Bishon Edwards (2), Gregory Morgan (hat trick) and Tyrone Buddah.

Kelvin Glasgow scored for Rebels.

The Concacaf qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 get underway at the Bethlehem Sports Complex, in the USVI, this Friday, March 22, 2024, with a kick-off at 5:00 PM. The return leg takes place on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground, with kick-off at 3:00 PM.