An eighth win on the trot, 14-0 against Positive FC on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at East End/Long Look, was enough to see Wolues FC leapfrog Islanders FC into top spot in the National League standings by one point with two games to play. Photo: Facebook/File

The latest points standings in the BVI Football Association's National League 2023/24. Photo: BVIFA

VG United (pink) all but cemented themselves into third spot with a resounding 5-0 victory against Panthers FC. Photo: BVIFA

Islanders who were idle this past weekend have one game remaining, against Wolues slated for Sunday, May 12, which is a must-win if they hope to claim yet another title, but Wolues also have to play One Love FC, so they have two bites of the cherry if they wish to lift their first title.

The Islanders will be hoping to secure their ninth title, but first since the 2019 -20 season.

Kieran Brown scores hat trick

Wolues goals came from a Kieran Brown hat trick, braces from League top scorer Hugo Costa Liziario, Marcus Robinson, Chavaughn Williams, Alexander Edwards and strikes from Leo Forte and Noel Maxwell as well as an own goal.

“We played well, and it was a comfortable win as shown in the scoreline,” commented Phil Nelson, Wolues skipper.

“As we have done a lot this year, we played high and wide and spread the field as much as possible and created a lot of opportunities to score. It could have been more but for a fantastic game from their goalkeeper. We now have a great opportunity this upcoming weekend and we will be focused and prepared to play our best game.”

One Love edge Sugar Boys

Defending Champions One Love FC also kept their hopes of reaching the last four alive with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Sugar Boys and now need just eight points from four remaining games to pip both Sugar Boys and Lion Heart for the final spot to qualify for the Presidents Cup.

“The game was a very good game,” noted Javon Carty, OLFC coach. “We started off on the front foot with a goal scored from a free kick, by Zeron Daniel. It was very competitive, and they equalized in the second half from the penalty spot, converted by Alejandro Sanchez. Johari Lacey then popped up to score the winner in added time at the end of the game. We are definitely looking at fourth place and if we stay unbeaten could even sneak into third, but we are taking it one game at a time. The boys are really pumped up though and understand the possibilities if we stick to our plans and play to high levels.”

VG United outnumber Panthers

In the other game played, VG United all but cemented themselves into third spot with a resounding 5-0 victory against Panthers FC, with the game coming to a premature end as Panthers didn’t have enough fit players left to continue.

VGU’s goals came from Bernard Cumberbatch (2), Jaadon Quashie (2) and Devante Samuel

“The result was important for us, having come on the back of three defeats in a row,” explained Manager Jermain Abrams. “We are looking forward to finish the season on a high note though and I commend the Coaches and Players for staying focused and being strong mentally, so we can go into the cup competitions full of confidence.”

Wolues & Avengers to contest Final of Women’s League

In the Women’s National League Play-Off semifinals, Wolues reached the Final with a narrow victory over VG United, courtesy of a goal in the 68^th minute from Eva Carey

Awaiting them in the final on May 19 are the Avengers FC who turned around a close first half to run out 6-0 winners against Positive FC, thanks to a Keithrece Smith hat trick. “I believe once you go out and play with the mindset to have fun the game will come to you,” noted Smith. “The season has been great, but it is not over yet. Being in the finals is always exciting. The game gets more competitive, players go all out and that makes it exciting to watch and play.”

Also on the scoresheet were Keliane Smith, Julissa Pitt and Aldencia Francois.

“We went into the match very comfortable and confident,” confessed Makeda Fahie, team captain.

Smith said their approach somewhat “backfired and resulted in us only scoring one goal in the first half. However, in the second half, after a few adjustments, we were able to get our act together and score five additional goals. We could have scored more, but we are proud of our accomplishment, especially of Kethriece who got a hat trick, and Julissa who got her first goal in the league.”