By Neto Baptiste
John Hughes racked up their sixth win 14 outings as they move to 19 points and seventh on the standings in the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) Premier Division following a one-nil triumph over Willikies Warriors on Monday at the FA’s Technical Center.
The lone goal of the match came in the first half when Terrance Thomas struck in minute 31 to help the Premier Division newcomers round off the competition on a winnings note. The loss was Willikies’ fifth in 13 matches as they remain on 14 points and 10th in the standings.
Following the final round of matches this weekend, the competition will entire into it’s second phase where the 15 teams will be placed in three groups of five with each team playing four additional matches. Points collected in the group stage will be added to the points amassed during league play with the team ending with the most points being crowned winners of the Premier Division.
Meanwhile in the Second Division, Real Blizzard defeated Tamo FC 3-1 as they move to 14 points from 13 showings and 13th on the standings.
Jahquan Hunte scored a brace with strikes in minutes 25 and 75 while there was a single conversion from Andre Henry in minute 56. Jaheim Grant scored the lone goal for Tamo FC when he put them ahead in minute 24. Tamo FC remains on 14 points from 12 showings and 14th on the standings.
In the other match contested Monday, West Ham FC and Belmont FC played to a 2-2 draw.
West Ham went ahead in the fourth minute when Anderson Herbert struck from the penalty spot but Belmont scored twice in quick succession with goals from Zamaal Greene and Nyah Michael in minutes 16 and 24 respectively to carry a 2-1 advantage into the second half. Dale Burton however secured a point for West Ham when he struck in minute 74.
Belmont edges on to 24 points from 16 matches as they remain ninth on the standings while West Ham moves to nine points from 14 showings and 15th on the standings.