By Neto Baptiste
John Hughes FC will play in the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) Premier Division next season following a convincing showing in the Premier Division vs First Division Playoffs held at the body’s technical center.
John Hughes sealed their place in the top fight with a dominant 4-1 win over Cedar Grove Blue Jays who had finished third from bottom in the Premier Division.
Deno Bryan was the start of the show as he recorded a hattrick. Bryan put John Hughes ahead on minute six before stretching their advantage in the 48th minute. Ajarnie Matthew pulled a goal back for Blue Jays just one minute later to narrow the gap at 2-1.
Bryan was however not finished and completed his hattrick in the 65th minute before Nosakhane Edoleyi sealed the victory on minute 90.
John Hughes advanced to the top flight while Blue Jays will play in the First Division next season.
Meanwhile, Potters Tigers retained their place in the First Division with a 3-2 victory over Freeman’s Village FC also on Monday.
Tigers had goals from Ordel Samuel in minute 44 and Brian Davis in minute 50, while an own-goal from Vaurquanie Jackson in minute 45 accounted for Potters’ other conversion.
Malik Charles and Ranique James each scored once for Village with Charles netting in minute four and James scoring in minute 90.
Potters’ success comes despite all three teams in the First Division vs Second Division Playoffs finishing on three points each.
Both the Potters and Freeman’s Village teams ended with goal differences of zero after both scoring four and allowing four in the playoffs. Potters however advanced on head to head stats after having beaten Village in the final contest.