John Hughes takes Second Division crown as playoffs kick off

John Hughes captured the Antigua & Barbuda Football Association’s (ABFA) Second Division title on Sunday, winning the championship match against Willikies 2-1 at the Antigua Recreation Ground.
Contesting the feature game of a triple-header, John Hughes had both goals come from Charles Dowdy as they claimed the coveted prize much to the delight of their supporters.
Willikies had their lone strike of the contest come from the boot of Kwami Thomas.
The teams entered the championship match-up after finishing at the top of their respective zones. Willikies topped Zone A with 40 points while John Hughes dominated Zone B with 37 points.
Meanwhile in playoff action, Urlings got off to a winning start when they defeated St John’s United 3-0 in the Second Division vs First Division playoffs.
Roshane Roberts gave Urlings a 28th minute lead before Jalen Willock stretched his team’s advantage in minute 42.
An own-goal by Kemar Jeffery in minute 77 sealed
St. John’s fate as their chances of reaching the First Division diminished with the loss.
The losers will now face Hill Top, after finishing third from bottom in the 12-team First Division standings, and earned a spot in the dreaded playoffs. The match is slated for Wednesday at 5 pm.
In the other playoff contest, All Saints United played from behind as they salvaged a 1-1 draw with FC Aston Villa.
After a scoreless first half, Gavin Lewis gave Villa a 1-0 advantage in minute 49 before Mark Brown levelled the scores five minutes later from close range.
The results means that Villa will face former Premier Division champions SAP in the feature contest on Wednesday.