By Carlena Knight
Former Antigua Premier League (APL) champions Empire FC remain at the top of the ABFA 1st Division standings after their latest win on Thursday afternoon.
The Grays Green team edged out Willikies FC 3-2 on their home turf, with Rakeem Joseph recording a hattrick for the victors, finding the back of the net in the 22nd, 35th and 81st minutes.
This win moves them one point ahead of second-placed SAP.
Willikies’ D’Jarie Sheppard was a goal shy of a hattrick, hitting home in minutes 18 and 41. They are now in the 7th spot with 25 points.
Newly promoted BlueJays FC were also victorious that day, trouncing Point WestHam 3-0 with goals from Keon Greene (26th), Dennie Henry (40th) and Cassiano Samuel (63rd).
The BlueJays, who hail from Cedar Grove, are now on 30 points in 5th while WestHam remain at the bottom of the table with just two points, still without a win.
In the other Division 1 encounter, Bolans and Fort Road played to a nil-all draw.
Bolans are 9th with 20 points while Fort Road are 6th with 26.
Meanwhile, in the 2nd Division, Tamo defeated Blackburn Palace 2-0 while, in the lone female match-up, Wadadli United and Trendsetters played to a one-all draw.
Desmond Christian (52nd) and Daryl Samuel (70th) pushed Tamo to 8th with 24 points, while Blackburn slipped to 10th with 16.
Brianna Sharpe (15th) drew first blood for Trendsetters, while Georgetta Lewis scored the equaliser for Wadadli United in minute 46.
APL matches will continue today starting at 5p.m. as Old Road will play All Saints United while, at 7 pm, Grenades will face Five Islands.