With a hard-fought 3-2 victory over arch-nemesis, Sugar Boys FC, Wolues moved to within just one point of VG United, whilst Islanders are just a point further back in third place. Photo: BVIFA/File

With five wins out of six and an unbeaten run of six games, respectively, both the Wolues and the Islanders are putting VG United under serious pressure in the race for the 2023/24 National League Championship. Photo: BVIFA

Lion Heart FC were the latest victims of the resurgent Islanders (in photo) as they fell to a 1-2 defeat after Rogel Noel, in the 73rd minute, and Oswort Holder in the 77th minute, put Islanders two goals to the good, before Victor Joseph scored a late consolation goal in the dying seconds for Lion Heart. Photo: BVIFA/File

With a hard-fought 3-2 victory over arch-nemesis, Sugar Boys FC, Wolues moved to within just one point of VG United, whilst Islanders are just a point further back in third place.

Hugo Costa Liziario put Wolues ahead in just the third minute before Alejandro Sanchez and Derol Redhead put Sugar Boys ahead, 2-1, at the halftime break. Marcus Robinson levelled the game in the 81^st minute and then deep into added time at the end of the game (90^th +2), Liziario netted his second of the game and the winner. His brace also moved him into a clear two-goal lead over Oswort Holder in the race for the Golden Boot, 16 to 14.

According to long-time Wolues player and team Manager, Nick Messum, “We started the game very strongly and took an early lead from Hugo after 3 minutes. We dominated the majority of the first half and then dropped off a little and made a couple of mistakes which were punished by the Sugar Boys. We regrouped in the second half and after some early pressure from Sugar Boys managed to grab an equaliser late in the game and pushed for the win with the winner coming late on.”

Lion Heart fall to Islanders

Lion Heart FC were the latest victims of the resurgent Islanders as they fell to a 1-2 defeat after Rogel Noel, in the 73^rd minute, and Oswort Holder in the 77^th minute, put Islanders two goals to the good, before Victor Joseph scored a late consolation goal in the dying seconds for Lion Heart.

“Good win for the guys, congrats to them,” commented Coach Fitzroy Daley. “We controlled the game from early just by playing basic football. We didn't give them time to settle on the ball and that caused them to make a lot of mistakes. We maintained possession of the ball for long periods of the game and that eventually wore them down. The guys just need to work on finishing in front of the goal. Lion Heart goalkeeper made it difficult, but the guys stuck to how we trained and that's what made the difference. Now we must work on the next game., just one game at a time!”

Panthers beat Positive 5-1

In the other game played Panthers FC also continued to show signs of improvement as they beat Positive FC 5-1 with goals coming from Loic Simon, who scored twice, Prevell Asson, Vanrick Delpesche and Marcus Butler.

Nicardo Dixon scored in the 8^th minute of added time at the end of the game for Positive.

Whilst pleased with three points, Manager of Panthers Stany Francis was not overly impressed with his team's wasteful finishing. “A game which ended 5-1 and any other team would be satisfied with that result. We are not.” He stated, “We wasted way too many goal-scoring opportunities, which could hurt us when going up against the bigger teams. Woefully, the game ended with the concession of a goal and the unfortunate demise of a deserved clean sheet. Apart from the finishing, other departments of the team have improved massively. We accept the 3 points and move forward to other challenges.”

This coming Saturday, March 9, 2024, Islanders are up against Panthers at 8.30 PM at Greenland, whilst on Sunday, March 10, also at Greenland, Positive take on One Love FC at 6.00 PM and Rebels FC face Sugar Boys FC from 8: 30 PM.