FC Aston Villa and St John’s United both exited the Antigua & Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) playoffs on Wednesday following defeats at the Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG).
First Division team Villa went under 2-0 to former Premier Division champions SAP when they met in the feature contest of a double header.
SAP, who found themselves in the playoffs after finishing eighth in the 10-team top-flight competition, had goals from Danio Myers and Jermaine Browne as they scored in minutes 54 and 82 respectively.
The defeat was Villa’s first after they had played to a 1-1 draw with First Division counterparts, All Saints United last Sunday.
The results mean that Saturday’s clash between SAP and All Saints will decide which of the two teams gets a third and final spot in the Premier Division for the 2017/18 competition.
All Saints will need three points while SAP will need only a draw to secure another season in the top flight.
Meanwhile, in the Second Division vs First Division playoffs, Hill Top had the better of St John’s United to send the Second Division squad crashing out of the competition.
United drew first blood when Romar Perry put them ahead in minute 11 before an own-goal by Romario Roberts increased their advantage in minute 45.
Hill Top pulled within one in minute 53 via an own-goal by Kemar Jeffery before Charmane Daley drew them levelled two minutes later.
James Goodwin stole the show eight minutes from time to give Hill Top a fighting chance of remaining in the First Division.
Saturday’s clash with Urlings will decide which of the two teams gets a spot in the First Division. A draw would suffice for Urlings who has a better goal difference while Hill Top would need a victory in order to succeed.