By Neto Baptiste
Goal-difference proved the deciding factor as to which team was crowned champions in the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association’s (ABFA) Premier Division after the two main contenders, All Saints United and Grenades FC, both ended on 49 points following the final round of matches over the weekend.
Its was however, the men from All Saints who came out on top due to their positive 55 goal difference, seven more than Grenades who ended with a positive 48 goal difference.
But United may also need to consider sending a ‘thank you’ card to the Ottos Rangers team after they held Grenades to a 1-1 draw on Sunday, handing All Saints United their first top flight title after they had earlier beaten Garden Stars 3-1.
United ‘s coach, Schyan Jeffers, was understandably overjoyed for his players.
“Words can’t express how happy I am for the players, because they have made some sacrifices. To be away from your family for so long, every night at training, putting in the hard work, it’s not easy, and when you are trailing five points behind a team like Grenades, a really good team with good players, good coach and good management staff, it’s hard to really chase a team like that. I kept on telling them to play for pride, play for the fans, play for what you love best, and try to improve yourself at the end of the day,” he said.
United had goals from Malcolm Stewart who scored twice, netting in minutes 60 and 62 ,while Nazir McBurnette sealed the win in minute 90. Dylan Martin had put Garden Stars ahead on minute 26.
Jeffers, himself a former player, dedicated the win to the fans and supporters of the team.
“When Grenades lost against Villa [last week] it was another life for us, and we gained a better focus, and we stuck it out right to the end, and the commitment was good. I am happy for the fans, I am happy for the community because it’s a long time that we haven’t won a championship in the community, so this one is very special. This one is All Saints, the whole of the community came together and won this championship, so for me, this one is very special,” he said.
Grenades, in the feature contest, fell behind to Ottos Rangers in minute 23 when Josue Arias struck. Grenades were back on level terms in minute 31 when Jordan Britto scored from close range. Grenades then missed a crucial opportunity to take the lead in minute 40 when Kurt Frederick missed from the penalty spot.
In Sunday’s opening clash, Swetes FC defeated SAP FC 5-1 to move out of the automatic three-team relegation zone with 14 points and into the playoff slot.
Three teams, Empire FC (11 points), Ottos Rangers FC (13 points) and SAP FC (14 points), join Tryum FC as the four demoted teams.