By Samuel Peters
Greenbay Hoppers who sits at the bottom of the table in the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association Premier League, emerged victorious in a dramatic 3-2 derby clash against neighbours Five Islands FC that ended in chaos, while All Saints United secured a crucial 2-1 comeback win over Green City FC in Sunday’s double-header at the ABFA Technical Center.
What began as a promising display from Five Islands, thanks to Jamal Joseph‘s quick-fire double in the 37th and 40th minutes, unravelled in the second half. Yoandir Puga Estevez had pulled one back for Hoppers just before halftime, setting the stage for a tense second period.
Five Islands’ challenge began to crumble when Demario Roberts received his marching orders in the 55th minute after a second bookable offence thus reducing them to 10 men. Hoppers capitalised on their numerical advantage, with Javorn Stevens converting a penalty in the 76th minute before Jose Gonzalez completed the turnaround two minutes later.
The match descended into further controversy in the fifth minute of stoppage time as Five Islands lost their discipline, with both Jaheim Jeremy and goal-scorer Joseph seeing red – Jeremy for a second caution and Joseph for using offensive language.
In the day’s other fixture, defending Champions All Saints United showed their resilience by coming from behind to defeat Green City 2-1. Malik Charles had given Green City the lead from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute, but Raheem Deterville turned the game on its head with two goals in three minutes, including a penalty, to secure all three points for United. The victory for United who is now on 31 points, puts them one point behind Grenades who are on 32 points.