By Carlena Knight
Garden Stars moved to the top of the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) First Division standings after a 2-1 victory on Thursday afternoon over JSC Progressors FC.
The victors drew first blood scoring in the 64th minute with a strike from Wilden Cornwall.
Progressors would however equalise, but from the penalty spot with an 86th minute conversion from Andre Mark Williams.
Three minutes later, a penalty would be the deciding factor in this match at the ABFA Technical Centre from Jahred Williams.
Garden Stars now have 22 points after eight showings on the 12-team table while Progressors sit at the bottom with four points.
Green City moved within one point behind the frontrunners with 21 points after edging out Lion Hill FC, 2-1 at Bendals.
A strike from Renford Harris in the 25th minute would be the only goal that Lion Hill would score in the match as their opponents found the back of the net twice in the second half to secure a much- needed three points.
Shaquan Simmons (52nd) and Carllon Warner (73rd) were the goal-scorers for the victors.
Lion Hill are 8th with 10 points.
Joining the other two teams in the winner’s circle was 3rd place John Hughes who handed Police FC a 3-1 defeat.
Troy Jules was a goal shy of a hattrick for the victors in the 44th and 73rd minutes of play. Deno Bryan also got in on the action finding the back of the net in minute 58.
Danie Bryan (34th) got one back for the lawmen.
John Hughes now have 17 points while Police are sixth with 11.
Meanwhile in the other matches played that day, Bendals FC trounced Young Lions FC 3-0 while Bolans FC edged out Potters FC 2-1.
Okeski Ledeatte (50th), Alvah Guishard (52nd) and Ken Murray (81st) all found the back of the net for Bendals.
Taiem Tonge (44th) and Orlando Peters (58th) were the scorers for Bolans while for Potters’ Brian Davis (33rd) scored the lone goal.
Bendals are now 4th with 15 points while Young Lions are 5th with 12.
Bolans FC are 11th with six points while Potters are one space ahead.