By Neto Baptiste
John Hughes and Freeman’s Village got off to winning starts in the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) playoffs on Tuesday, both picking up three vital points in their bid for elevation to the upper tier.
Playing the Premier Division vs First Division playoffs at the FA’s technical center, John Hughes made light work of their First Division counterparts, inflicting a 5-1 trouncing on their opponents.
Troy Jules led the charge with a hattrick, netting in minutes 32, 40 and 42. There was a double strike from Garcel Morrison as he completed John Hughes’ route in the second half, netting in minutes 75 and 82. Okeski Ledeatte had given Bendals a one-nil advantage with a strike in minute 24.
The playoffs continue on Friday when Bendals face Premier Division’s 14th placed Cedar Grove Blue Jays at 7pm at the technical center. Winners of the round-robin formatted playoffs will earn a place in the Premier Division for the 2023/24 domestic season.
Meanwhile, Freeman’s Village FC enjoyed a narrow 2-1 victory over Sea View Farm in the First Division vs Second Division playoffs also at the FA’s technical center.
Farm drew first blood when Azari Edwards put them ahead in minute 13. The Village men however rebounded to score two goals in the space of four minutes when Malik Tejorne Charles netted the equalizer in minute 40 and Darius Hector found the winner in minute 44.
The competition continues on Friday when Sea View Farm play Potters Tigers who finished third from bottom in the First Division. The winners of the First Division vs Second Division playoffs will earn a spot in the First Division for the 2023/24 domestic season.