One of the VG United's goal scorers, Denvin Jones, shields the ball against a One Love United defender. Photo: BVIFA

Devante Samuel celebrates his goal against One Love United. Photo: BVIFA

VG United, who beat One Love United in the semi-finals and Wolues, who overcame Panthers in their semi-final clash last Sunday, will be clashing for the title from 8:30 PM.

VG United 5, One Love-1

The youthful VG United reached the final with a resounding 5-1 win.

Joel Mars put VG ahead in the 33^rd minute, but Johari Lacey equalised for One Love a minute later, before VG gradually took control of the game and went into the half time break 3-1 ahead following two quick goals from Devante Samuel (37^th min) and T’Khoy Morton (39^th min).

Two further second half goals put the gloss on an outstanding performance, with both Denvin Jones (60^th) and Qu’yl Billingy (90^th +4) slotting home.

“We were totally focused and well prepared by the Coaches Richie Morton and Glenn Bascombe,” stated VG manager Jermain Abrams.

“They are a team full of experience and really good players, so it was no surprise we were out of sorts at the start in a physical game, but we battled through, drew first blood and despite conceding an equaliser [we] managed to see it through. The second half showed how good we can be at keeping possession, but as tiredness began to creep in, we became sloppy, but kudos to the way the team stuck together as we scored again to settle things. They never gave up and it was a great game, we showed our collective spirit, it was tough, but we are looking forward to the final!”

Wolues beat 9-man Panthers 4-0

Wolues had a bruising encounter against the Panthers FC before running out 4-0 winners, to book their place in the showpiece final. Noel Maxwell hit a brace and Alexander Edwards added a third to put Wolues firmly in the ascendancy before half time and then Marcus Robinson, midway through the second half, put the game to bed.

The game was marred with what appeared to be some poor refereeing decisions that benefitted the Wolues, as two Panthers players were sent off.

One of the Panthers players given marching orders by referee Joel Williams was their lethal striker Nigel Sanderson.

It was in the second half when Panthers were already down to 10 men, that Sanderson attempted to pass the ball from the middle to the right wing that the ball came into contact with Williams, who adjudged that Sanderson purposely hit him with the ball.

Williams, to the surprise of the Panthers players, drew a yellow card, which was the second for Sanderson.

The Wolues' game plan

Wolues; however, credited their win to their game plan.

According to Levi James, “The team responded really well to their instructions, as we sought to control the game with passing, switching play and forward runs, which we did quite well. We were able to neutralise their youth on the wings and sharp teeth in the attack with great defensive stability and not giving them time on the ball once they got into the final third. That being said, we did have to improve our ball care in the second half due to some lax play from the midfield and getting robbed a few times, but the boys responded.”

James also applauded the rejuvenated Panthers, who despite going down to just nine men during the second half, stuck to their task. “They've actually gotten better, welcoming back some past players and introducing younger talent and they could be a problem for teams in the upcoming National League season, but we showed our experience and skill and delivered one of our best displays of team football probably ever.”

James concluded by saying how much the team was looking forward to playing VG United in the final, noting it will be a real test against them and it should be a great spectacle for the fans.

Meanwhile, the third-place game between One Love and Panthers will get underway at 6.30 PM, also on Sunday, July 28, 2024, according to the BVI Football Association (BVIFA).