Seven games are on the cards today and tomorrow as football action continues in the 2019 Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) Inc sponsored Island Cup.
To date a total of 32 goals have been scored from 12 matches, with two hat tricks, Nick Longville (Anse La Raye) and Tev Lawrence (Gros Islet).
With carnival celebrations which started last evening in Anse La Raye, scheduled to take place on the Anse La Raye Playing Field, the matches for today scheduled for the village had to be moved to the Marchand Playing Field (MPF) and La Ressource Playing Field (LRPF).
Micoud takes on Canaries today at the MPF, from 6.00 p.m., while Desruisseaux plays South Castries at 8.00 p.m., also at the MPF.
Anse La Raye plays Vieux Fort North from 6.00 p.m., while Babonneau takes on Mabouya Valley at 8.00 p.m. at the LRPF.
Tomorrow at the MPF, from 6.00 p.m. Gros Islet takes on Vieux Fort South; while Central Castries tangles with Marchand at 8.00 p.m.
At the LRPF (Dennery) one game is on the cards, Mon Repos plays Laborie from 6.00 p.m.
Last Wednesday at the MPF, Canaries maintained its unbeaten streak with a hard fought but decisive 2 – 0 victory over a spirited South Castries who was playing its first match in the competition.
The goals came from Clavius Felix in the 63rd minute and Stephan Longville in the third minute of regulation injury time.
In the second game played, Vieux Fort South, once again came from behind to overcome a much more determined Roseau team 2 – 1.
Both teams had a fair share of the exchanges in the first half, but despite the creation of opportunities each was unable to seize the initiative as the half ended goalless.
On the resumption, Roseau unperturbed by its opponent took on the fight and was soon rewarded with a goal by Milon Jules in the 65th minute.
Despite this setback Vieux Fort South remained in the hunt as it sought the equalizer. This it achieved in the 83rd minute by captain Jamil Joseph.
From hence on it was intriguing football as Roseau seemingly playing for a draw was caught wanting in the 7th minute of added time as Antonio Joseph sealed the initiative with a well struck booter, thus ensuring that Vieux South remained unbeaten.
At the LRPF, Gros Islet was in a no nonsense mood as they emphatically disposed of Mon Repos in convincing fashion 5 – 0. The half time score was 2 – 0.
Denver Charles registered the second hat trick of the tournament with goals in the 22nd, 43rd and 46th minute. The other goal scorers were Eden Charles in the 60th minute and Jendel Joseph in the 80th minute.
The resultant victory gives Gros Islet two wins out of two matches.
In the other game played Dennery maintained its unblemished record to date getting the better of La Clery 2 – 1.
Junior Joseph opened the scoring in the 35th minute of play as the half ended 1 – 0 in favour of Dennery.
On the resumption Dennery extended their lead with a goal by Jamie Prospere in the 61st minute.
In the 66th minute of play Jonathan Aliene reduced the deficit to 2 – 1.
No further goals were scored as Dennery ran away winners 2 – 1.
At the end of the first week of matches, the front runners are as follows: (1st) Gros Islet – 6 points + 6 goals for, (2nd) Canaries – 6 points + 5 goals for, (3rd) Vieux Fort South – 6 points + 2 goals for and (4th) Dennery – 6 points + 2 goals for.