Lions, Ellerton advance in style

St Andrew Lions and Ellerton FC delivered commanding performances on Wednesday night to close out the Group A stage of the Prime Minister’s Cup, securing their spots in the Round of 16 in style.

Playing at the Friendship Ground in Hothersal Turning, group leaders St Andrew Lions sealed a hard-fought 1-0 win over a determined Pro-Shottas side, with captain and leading scorer Darico King breaking the deadlock in the 86th minute. King’s composed finish from the left side was enough to clinch the win and keep the Lions perfect on nine points.

The clutch goal earned King Man of the Match honours, as he led from the front in a match where his team was tested defensively and had to dig deep.

In the evening’s earlier fixture, Ellerton FC of St George exploded offensively with a 5-0 demolition of Barbados Soccer Academy, securing second place in the group with six points.

The onslaught began in just the third minute, when Soccer Academy defender Samuel Louisien was unlucky to concede an own goal. Despite the scoreline, Louisien recovered well and marshalled the defence with composure for the remainder of the match.

But Ellerton’s attack was relentless. Striker Zeco Edmee, making his mark in Ellerton colours, bagged his first two goals for the club in the seventh and 17th minutes, earning him the Man of the Match award. He was fed expertly by midfielder Tyrell Waldron, who also found the net himself in the 41st minute, finishing cleanly from a clever through-ball by Roshon Speedy Gittens.

Though Soccer Academy’s defence held firm in the second half, Ellerton added a fifth in stoppage time when captain Shakille Belle outpaced his marker and calmly slotted home in the 90+1 minute.

The tournament, sponsored by The Barbados Lottery, with Powerade/Dasani as official hydration partner and support from Rude Boy and others, continues to deliver high-intensity football as teams now turn their focus to the knockout stage.

(AS)