Virgin Gorda (VG) United made a resounding statement in their return from the Christmas break, reclaiming the top spot in the BVI Football Association’s National League with a convincing 5-0 victory over Panthers FC.
The win, which saw them leapfrog Wolues FC, came as a welcome boost after the team had been deducted points pre-Christmas.
Manager Jermain Abrams expressed his delight at the team’s performance, calling it a “great feel-good win after the Christmas break.” He commended the players for their focus and solid performance, particularly highlighting the youngsters who stepped up.
The hat trick hero, Jadon Quashie, played a pivotal role in the victory with goals in the 2nd, 45th, and 84th minutes. Deshawn Richardson (71st minute) and Kijuan Nimblett (82nd minute) also found the back of the net.
Abrams credited the coaching staff, Ritchie Morton and Glen Bascombe, for devising a game plan that worked seamlessly. “Our aim to start the second half strong couldn’t have gone any better, and we can now look forward to maintaining our position for the rest of the season,” he added.
The defeat leaves the Panthers mid-table with nine points, albeit with a game in hand over their nearest rivals. VG United now leads the league with sixteen points, one more than Wolues FC. Islanders are in third place with eleven points after a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Sugar Boys, who sit in fourth with ten points.
Derol Redhead, who opened the scoring for Sugar Boys in the 26th minute, commented on the challenging match against Islanders. “Games against Islanders are always nail-biting, as both sides are well known to each other,” he said. Sheldon Harry Junior equalized for Islanders in the 47th minute.
In another thrilling encounter, Rebels FC claimed all three points by defeating Positive FC 5-1. Curtly Peters stole the show with a late hat trick, scoring in the 74th, 75th, and 85th minutes, following Jamal Sergeants’ 46th-minute goal. Positives’ Jean Wilhem Jeudy managed to find the net in the 57th minute, but Kelvin Glasgow’s goal added to Rebels’ dominant performance.
The National League will continue to deliver intense competition this weekend as the race for the top spot remains unpredictable, promising fans more exciting clashes in the upcoming matches.
On Saturday at the Greenland Playing Field, Old Madrid FC will face One Love FC at 8:30 p.m. while on Sunday in the doubleheader, Panthers FC will face Wolues FC at 6:00 p.m., followed by Islanders FC against Positive FC at 8:30 p.m. The latter two games will be televised on CCT Live Channel 284.
Over at the Virgin Gorda Recreation Ground also on Sunday, VG United will face off against Rebels FC at 7:30 p.m.
Meanwhile in the lone fixture on Wednesday, Panthers FC will play Lion Heat FC over at Greenland at 7:00 p.m.