Central Castries and South Castries have qualified as finalists in this season’s Saint Lucia Semi-Pro Football League [SPFL] tournament after some exciting playoff matches last weekend at the Dennery Playing Field.
In the Premier League Playoffs-Tier 1 encounter, on Saturday, Central Castries turned a 2-nil deficit into their favour to snatch victory from Gros Islet in a penalty shoot-out after a 2-all draw at regulation time.
Troy Greenidge neatly flicked in a spot kick on the left flank to give Gros Islet the lead in the 21′. And minutes later, Baggio Edward slotted in a left-footer from inside the box in the 23′, giving the northern-based side a comfortable advantage.
But, as they pressed on with determination, Central got into the act and seized an opportunity in the 40s for Simeon Francis to convert-his first of two goals. Francis finished off with a brace as he scored the equaliser from the penalty spot in the 52’.
In a bid to re-energise its play, Gros Islet tightened its offense with some ‘young guns’ and talisman Greenidge pressing for that winning goal after taking an early 2-0 lead. But despite Gros Islet going into offensive overdrive in the latter session, C Castries defended stoutly.
Despite the teams pushing for the “go-ahead” goal in a close battle well past the extra time play, penalty kicks ultimately decided the match.
Gros Islet let a good opportunity slip away and will now face off with La Clery, on Wednesday (today) in Qualifier 2 for a chance to advance to the finals.
In the Tier 2 Super League game, South Castries triumphed over Anse La Raye 3-2 in a keenly contested affair.
The match featured intense, competitive, and aggressive play until the end. But S. Castries pulled through after taking a 3-1 lead.
Though Anse La Raye put on a commendable and spirited fightback late into the match the western-coast contenders missed out on a goal-scoring chance late into play that denied them an opportunity for a better result.
Anse La Raye will take on Vieux Fort South in the SPFL Qualifier 2 playoffs today at the Dennery Playing Field.
On Sunday, in a Tier 1 match, La Clery defeated home team Dennery 4-0 in a decisive game. The rout began with Dennery conceding an own goal in the 20’ from Newton Marshall.
La Clery maintained the pressure for Andrus Remy to net a brace with goals in the 56’ and 74’, while Marvin St Romain rounded off with an 86’ goal.
In the Tier 2 game, Vieux Fort South got the better of Roseau 2 -nil, with conversions from Shayan Lionel in the 65’ and Obafani Poyotte in the 80’.
Interestingly, the Castries-based teams have faced significant challenges in reaching the top of the local soccer league.
In a post-match interview with VOICE SPORTS, Central Castries head coach Nigel James spoke of the team’s determination to cop a national title.
“The team demonstrated remarkable character, determination, and self-belief, demonstrating the ability to overcome a significant deficit and win the game,” he declared.
In preparation for the finals, James notes that whoever the opponent, “We will stick to our game plan because it has been working for us throughout the tournament …and working on improvements in our play.”
Meanwhile, today’s matchup at the Dennery Playing Field is as follows:
Tier 2: Vieux Fort South vs, Anse La Raye, 4.30 p.m.
Tier 1: Dennery vs. Gros Islet, 8.30 8.30 p.m.