Panthers (yellow) stave off a Sugar Boys attack during their BVIFA National League game on Sunday September 18, 2016. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Roger Roberts netting the only goal of the game to give Sugar Boys all three points. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Islanders (blue) edged out One Love in a keenly contested affair. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

A large crowd gathered to witness the return of the National League with two mouthwatering games on the menu, the first of which was the Panthers FC and Sugar Boys FC, still looking a little rusty from pre-season, but playing entertaining football, in an encounter that for all the world seemed to be heading for a 0-0 stalemate, despite plenty of goal mouth action at either end.

The game was decided in the 84^th minute when a neat interchange of passing in the midfield released Derrol Redhead out wide on the right. His cross then fell invitingly for Roger Roberts to steer home the only goal of the game and secure all three points for the Virgin Gorda based outfit.

The first half had been all about missed opportunity with Redhead going close a couple of times and bringing out some acrobatic saves from Edgbert Isaac. Terrence Nanton also had a first time volley dealt with spectacularly by the keeper.

At the other end, Omar Williams was millimeters away from getting his head on a cross from Shamoy Thompson, who himself had a shot blocked by Leslie Ambrose in the Sugar Boys goal.

Islanders edge One Love

The second game of the night saw an equally pulsating end to end game between Islanders FC and One Love FC, which was narrowly won 2-1 by the defending champions Islanders.

The opening goal was a well-directed header by Islanders’ midfielder Julian Davidson, who rose high at the far post to nod home a Fitzroy Daley corner in the 29^th minute. The lead though was short lived as in the 43^rd minute Howard Hemmings took advantage of some hesitant Islanders defending to control a loose ball in the box and curl a delightful shot past the helpless Montgomery Butler.

The second half had a few clear cut chances apart from a one on one save from Butler as Carl Stewart burst through on goal, until McTair James calmly curled in from the edge of the box to make it 2-1 Islanders in the 78^th minute.

Nest Saturday, September 24, 2016 the Wolues FC will play Old Madrid at 5:00 P.M. whilst at 7:00 P.M. Rebels FC take on Virgin Gorda United. On Sunday September 25, 2016 Panthers face One Love at 5:00 P.M. and then at 7:00 P.M. Islanders FC come up against Sugar Boys, with all matches slated for the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground.

The BVIFA National League is supported by Stag Beer, distributed in the Virgin Islands by Caribbean Cellars, and FLOW.