By Neto Baptiste
Bendals FC strengthened their promotion chances in Zone A of the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association’s (ABFA) Second Division on Wednesday with a 9-0 mauling of Urlings FC to leap into the number two position in the standings with 42 points.
Playing in Urlings, Alvah Guishard led the onslaught with a hattrick, netting in minutes 25, 32 and 51, while Audwin Joseph found a brace with conversions in minutes 22 and 23. Ken Murray (seventh minute), Mitcheo Edwards (eighth minute), Jabari Hanson (64th minute), and Jeron Samuel (78th minute) all scored once in the massive win for Bendals.
Bendals are now three points behind leaders Garden Stars who have 45 points. Stars have however played 17 times, two more than Bendals.
Following what was their 13th loss in 16 matches, Urlings slipped to 11th in the standings with nine points.
Still in Zone A, Master Ballerz edged Glanvilles 1-0 as they climbed to sixth in the standings with 32 points from 18 showings. The lone goal of the contest came from Peter Jacobs who fired home in minute 31. Glanvilles remain third from bottom with just nine points from the 18 appearances.
Meanwhile, in the First Division, Willikies had the better of Fort Road by a 2-1 margin when they played in Willikies.
Jaron John and D’Jarie Sheppard were on target for the winners with goals in the seventh and 72nd minutes respectively. Willikies move to 24 points and sixth in the standings after 17 matches while Fort Road lay seventh with 23 points.
In other First Division contests, Bolans and Police played to a 1-1 draw while Tryum and John Hughes jostled to a scoreless draw.