WestHam and Fort Road make good starts in Playoffs

Fort Road and WestHam got off to winning starts in the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association’s (ABFA) playoffs on Wednesday, as they seek promotion to the Premier and First Divisions respectively in the 2018/19 domestic season.
A star-studded Fort Road team which featured the likes of national striker Peter Byers and national goalkeeper Molvin James, sent what could only be described as a clear message with an impressive 4-0 victory over Willikies when they clashed in the second game of a double-header at the Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG).
Alren Lewis got the ball rolling with a strike in the 8th minute, while Byers struck home in the 50th minute of play.
The agony continued for Willikies in the second half, when Jamol Semper found the back of the net twice in the 63rd and 73rd minutes.
The victory puts Fort Road at the top of the three-team standings with three points while Willikies remain without a point. The other team in the playoff, Premier Division’s Old Road FC, is yet to play in the competition. Should Fort Road or Willikies top the standings at the end of the round-robin contest, they would gain promotion to the top flight, while Old Road would need to win the competition if they are to remain in the Premier Division for the 2018/19 season.
Meanwhile, WestHam edged out Golden Grove 3-2 in their Division 2 playoff encounter.
Rakeem Henry got Golden Grove off the mark in the 12th minute, but soon found themselves 3-1 down as Elliott Donova and Lloyd Shepperd found the back of the net for the victors in the 31st, 71st and 78th minutes.
Shaquille Browne pulled a goal back for Golden Grove in extra time.
The win puts WestHam at the top of the standings in the round robin format between Golden Grove and Island Original John Hughes and also places them in a favourable position for a spot in the First Division next season.