John Hughes handed All Saints United only their second loss of the season, winning 3-2 in a closely contested match to remain in the race for automatic promotion into the Premier Division when they clashed at the Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG) on Tuesday.
The John Hughes men were forced to earn their three points against the already promoted All Saints men after falling 2-0 behind within the first 23 minutes of the contest. Xavon Brown gave United the lead on minute 13 before Bernado Milford stretched the lead 10 minutes later on minute 23.
A determined John Hughes however received a lifeline on minute 28 when United’s Kieron Richards scored an own-goal to reduce his team’s two-nil advantage. Terrance Thomas drew John Hughes level 10 minutes after the break, netting in minute 55 before Leocrafte Burnside secured the valuable three points on minute 80 when he struck from the penalty spot.
The victory moves John Hughes to 42 points from 21 outings, just one point behind second placed Pigotts Bullets on 43 from 21 showings also. Bullets could secure the second automatic promotion slot with victory against Lion Hill on Thursday, as it would move them to 46 points and out of John Hughes’ reach as they could only get to 45 with victory in their final outing.
All Saints, on 48 points after 20 matches, have already secured promotion to the top flight. Meanwhile, there was victory as well for Willikies as they beat Hill Top 3-0. Jakool Aaron in minute 48, Mehki Scotland in minute 76 and Zabrino Charles in minute 80, were all on target for Willikies as they move to 33 points from their quota of 22 encounters.
Hill Top remain at the bottom of the standings with just four points following their quota of 22 matches. The other match scheduled for Tuesday between Sea View Farm and Rangers did not materialize for reasons not yet stated by the ABFA.