A tough challenge continues in the Semi-Pro Football League (SPFL) as teams make a bid for the championship prize at stake.
It was another rollicking affair at the Dennery Playing Field, last weekend, with matches spread over three days.
Friday (April 26) in a Tier 2 match –
South Castries vs Mon Repos 1-1
Lovon Dupre provided S Castries with a 36’ lead, but Mon Repos levelled the score on the stroke of halftime as Jamil St Paul netted the equalizer in the 45’.
Tier 1 – Soufriere vs. Desruisseaux 2-1
Though Desruisseaux shot ahead early in the 2’ through Joseph Mangal, Soufriere struck back with two telling goals in the latter session to grasp the game. After withstanding Desruisseaux’s earlier aggression, the ‘Sulphur City’ squad got into their own to finally get some points on the table. Jarden Phillip converted in the 51’, and Shamar Simeon in the 58’ to wrestle the advantage from the east-coast side.
Saturday (April 27) – Tier 2 –
VF South vs. Micoud 4-0
The two sides are ranked as ‘powerhouse teams’ in this south-eastern zone, and there has been some intense rivalry between them in previous competitions. However, this time, VF South came up trumps with a massive win as they rattled their opponents’ defense relentlessly.
Dhirv Jn Baptiste scored in the 26’ before Obafemi Poyotte netted a brace with goals in the 49’ and 90’, while Patrice Richard got an 86’ goal.
Tier 1 – Gros Islet vs. Mabouya Valley 5-1
The north-based contenders went on a rampage as they bulldozed their way past a hapless Mabouya Valley.
Baggio Edward, one of Gros Islet’s frontline strikers hit the nets from as early as the 10’, but M Valley also a force to be reckoned with, equalized through Brendon Sandiford’s 35’ strike.
But the latter session erupted for Gros Islet as they went full throttle to score four more goals. Aramis Gilbert converted in the 46’ and then prolific striker Troy Greenidge was at it again with a brace scoring in the 52’ and 55’.
Aaron Richard completed the onslaught with a 69’ goal as Gros Islet maintains the lead atop the points table in that division.
Sunday (April 28) – Tier 2 –
VF North vs. Roseau 1-1
A very interesting duel is unfolding in that group, and the top challengers are putting in a run for their money. In a tight game, Dennis Robert put VF North ahead in the 61’, but R Valley fought back gallantly till the end to gain an 84’ equalizer from young national player Edd Fred.
Tier 1 – Dennery vs. La Clery 1-1
These two teams, known for their dynamic offensive play have fared in different directions. While Dennery is working on its competitive cutting edge, La Clery seeks to up its rankings in the competition. On Sunday, they played out to a grueling 1-1 draw.
Garvin Reggie sent Dennery ahead in the 45+1’ at the interval, but La Clery managed to level the score through Ubaan Degazon in the 90+7’ to register their first points on the table.
Meanwhile, the current SPFL stats are as follows:
Points Standing/ Tier 2 – R Valley 4 matches (2wins/ 2 draws) – 8pts; VF North 4 matches (2/1/1) 7pts; Anse La Raye 3 matches (2/1) – 7pts.
Tier 2 – Top goal scorers – Obafemi Poyotte (VF South) – 5 goals, Hemalael Charlery (R Valley) – 5, and Dahmani Berthier (ALR) – 3.
Points Standing / Tier 1 – Gros Islet 3 matches (3wins) – 9pts, Dennery 3 matches (2 wins / 1 draw) -7 pts, and C Castries 2 matches (2 wins) 6pts.
Tier 1 – Top goal scorers – Troy Greenidge (G Islet) 5 goals, Joseph Mangal (Desruisseaux) 3, and Baggio Edward (G Islet) 2. –R.A.