Qualifying Spots in SPFL Up For Grabs

As the third season of the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League (SPFL) reaches its halfway point, the competition is heating up with seven teams vying for qualifying spots.

Caption:Tough challenge in SPFL play [Photo credit: SPFL]

The top four teams are separated by just two points, keeping the title race wide open. This past weekend was marked by significant upsets in Tier I, as defending champions La Clery and Vieux Fort South both dropped points.

Canaries capitalized on these developments, moving up to second place after a crucial win.

In the latest round of matches, at the Soufriere Mini Stadium, two of Sunday’s games went into stoppage time. Mabouya Valley achieved its first points of the season with a 1-0 victory over Central Castries, marking their second win in nine matches.

Tough challenge in SPFL play [Photo credit: SPFL]

Maius Lutanists scored the decisive goal just two minutes into added time.

Another thrilling encounter saw Anse La Raye edge out Vieux Fort North 3-2, lifting themselves off the bottom of the table. Erick Gabriel gave Anse La Raye the lead early in the second half, but Riquelme Elva quickly equalized for Vieux Fort North.

After a back-and-forth, with the game levelled at 2-2, Nevin William netted the winner for Anse La Raye in stoppage time.

In a standout match, Gros Islet defeated league leaders Vieux Fort South 3-2 at Soufriere Stadium. Ridel Stanislaus capitalized on a goalkeeper error to score the opener, followed by Jahlil Evans and Rickelme Lionel extending the lead to 3-0.

Despite late goals from Vieux Fort South’s Zephaniah Edwin and Jerneil Alexander in injury time, it wasn’t enough to turn the tide. This marked Vieux Fort South’s second loss of the season and secured Gros Islet their fourth victory.

Canaries delivered an impressive performance by defeating La Clery 1-0, despite being reduced to ten men after Nick Longville was sent off in the 42nd minute for denying a clear scoring chance. Steven Octave scored the only goal shortly after halftime, taking advantage of a fortunate bounce in the box.

In another match, Dennery and Soufriere ended in a 1-1 draw. Shaquelle William scored for Dennery in the 68th minute, while an 85th-minute penalty converted by Jardel Philip salvaged a point for Soufriere.

After nine matches, Vieux Fort South remains atop the standings, closely followed by Canaries just one point behind. Dennery and La Clery trail by another point, with Soufriere, Vieux Fort North, and Gros Islet nestled closely behind, separated only by goal difference.