By Rawle Toney
According to coach Carlos Jackman, Weymouth Wales are right where they belong – on top of the Barbados Football Association (BFA).
Jackman’s comments came in the aftermath of their 1 – 0 win over league rivals Ellerton on Sunday evening to lift the BFA Champions Cup, thanks to a 74th-minute penalty from Shaquille Boyce.
The result meant that Wales completed a whitewash of the BFA tournaments, having also won the Premier League as well as the women’s league and knockout titles.
“It’s a hard-fought victory, but we had more quality than Ellerton. I can say so without any contradiction. The guys went out there and executed and they worked hard for it,” Jackman told reporters at the Wildey AstroTurf.
The match didn’t rouse much excitement among the crowd, but the pivotal moment occurred in the 74th minute when Shaquille Stewart was fouled by Rashawn Brathwaite inside the penalty area.
Shaquille Boyce scored the game’s lone goal from the penalty spot in the 74th minute.
The Wales supporters embraced the referee’s verdict, while Ellerton’s players and fans expressed their vehement disagreement.
“Stonewall penalty. It would’ve been called anywhere, even on the moon,” Jackson said in response to the opposing side’s scepticism.
However, with Wales already winning their 19th league title this season, Boyce was tasked with the responsibility of ensuring his side took the advantage.
Ellerton’s custodian Jamar Brewster and Boyce had a few exchanges of words prior to the spot kick, but that didn’t seem to bother the talismanic forward.
His right-footed rocket was sent to the top-left corner, giving a flying Brewster no chance of stopping the 27-year-old’s strike.
After the match, Boyce shared that his shot was deliberately aimed at his preferred corner when taking penalties.
The otherwise lacklustre contest became interesting thereafter, as Ellerton tried desperately to recover and equalise before the final whistle.
However, Wales’ resolute defensive extinguished any prospects of an Ellerton comeback.
Wales holds the distinction of being Barbados’ most celebrated football club, boasting an impressive 19 league titles and 13 BFA Cups.
“It was a long and successful season. We had some injuries along the way and had some exits along the way, but we’re glad to see it through to the end of the competition,” Jackson further added.
For Ellerton, their trophy cabinet remains unadorned, as they once again played second fiddle to Wales. Ellerton also finished in the runner-up position in the BFA Premier League.
Meanwhile, in the third-place game, UWI Blackbirds defeated Brittons Hill United 3 – 1.
Jaron Oughterson netted a double (90’, 112’) and Jadon Mc Collin scored a late penalty in the Blackbirds’ win.
Engozy Reid was the lone goalscorer for Brittons Hill.
rawletoney@barbadostoday.bb
