In a thrilling weekend of football action, fans witnessed nail-biting finishes and unexpected twists that have set the stage for an exciting week ahead in the Parham Super League.
The Group B preliminary match saw Hoppers edge out FC Master Ballers with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a crucial goal from Jahziem Barthley in the 60th minute. This win secured Hoppers FC the fourth spot in Group B, propelling them into the quarter-finals.
The evening’s highlight was undoubtedly the quarter-final clash between Freeman’s Village FC and Potters FC. In a match that had everything, the teams battled to a three-all draw after regulation time. Keon Greene opened the scoring for Potters in the very first minute and did not take long after to add the second to give his side the two-nil advantage. However, on the stroke of half time, Freeman’s Village Josue Arias would score his first goal of his impressive hat trick with a strike in the 44th minute to end the first half two one in favour of Potters.
When the match resumed, he then drew the game level with another strike. With the match poised at two-all, Mark Portsmouth provided the advantage in the 56th minute to put the Potters Tigers back in front. However, Arias had other ideas and brought the game back level completing his hat trick of goals. However, the drama didn’t end there – Greene’s day took a turn for the worse as he was shown a red card later in the match.
With the teams deadlocked at full time, the match went to penalties. Freeman’s Village FC held their nerve to win the shootout 4-2, securing their place in the next round.
An unexpected development has added intrigue to the tournament’s progression. All Saints United were forced to withdraw from the competition due to the majority of their squad being called up for national team duty this weekend. This unforeseen circumstance has opened up a quarter-final spot, leading to a crucial playoff match.
Parham FC and FC Master Ballers, who both finished fifth in their respective groups with 4 points each, now have a lifeline. They will face off in a high-stakes playoff match to determine who will fill the vacant quarter-final position.
Football fans won’t have to wait long for more action. This Wednesday, September 4, 2024, the Parham Football Field will host two pivotal matches. At 6pm, Parham FC and FC Master Ballers will battle it out in the playoff match, with the winner securing the last quarter-final berth. Following this, at 7:30pm, Pigotts SC will take on the recently qualified Hoppers FC in a quarter-final showdown.
