Wales edge Brittons Hill to stay atop Premier League

Defending champions Weymouth Wales maintained their lead at the top of the Barbados Football Association’s Premier League table, with another crucial win at the BFA Technical Centre on Saturday.

Fresh from an equally vital victory over previous leaders Paradise in their last game, Wales battled to a 2-1 win over title contenders Brittons Hill United in an intriguing encounter.

With both sides aware of the high stakes involved, a cagey first half saw neither side being able to enjoy their traditional flowing style of play, as both defences packed the midfield. 

The first goal of the game finally arrived in the 65th minute, with Wales midfielder Rommel Bynoe returning to haunt his old club. Left unmarked at the back post following a corner from the left hand side, Bynoe did not get the cleanest of connections with the ball, but it was enough to bundle it over the line and put Wales.

Stung by the defensive slip up, Brittons Hill worked their way back into the game and with Wales seemingly destined to pick up another crucial three points, Corey Hoyte rose highest in the box after a delightful long ball over the top from the left hand side to power a header past goalkeeper Shaquon Philips to make it 1-1 in the 90th minute. 

Brittons Hill’s players and fans were probably still celebrating when Wales showed all of the determination that has seen them become a regional powerhouse over the last few years. 

With spectators already heading towards the exit confident that a draw would be the outcome, Wales skipper Hadan Holligan deceived two Brittons Hill defenders in the midfield, before splitting the defense yet again with a well timed cross to winger Rashad Jules, who calmly stroked the ball past Brittons Hill goalie Ziah Franklyn and into the back of the net in the 93rd minute to spark wild celebrations.

Following the victory, Wales coach Asquith Howell told Barbados TODAY that his side’s never say die attitude was instrumental in them sealing another key win.

“It’s just like the rest of the season. I think the word to use is 

 resilient. Every team is coming to play us and they are making us work for it, which is good for us, but at the same time we must make our chances and finish our chances.

“As I said from the start of the second half of the season, we need to win all of our remaining games to retain the title and we are on target for that right now. We will get a little break and then go on the training ground and continue to work for our next game,” Howell said

“One game at a time, but definitely we need to work like every game is a championship game.” 

Earlier, Paradise had leapfrogged Wales to move back to the top of the table with a 7-1 drubbing of St Andrew Lions.

After taking the lead in the second minute, Paradise never took their foot off the gas, while Lions failed to convert at least two good chances to make the score line a bit more flattering.

Sheran Hoyte continued his excellent season with two more goals for Paradise, while Kamol Griffith and Shamari Harewood also completed  double strikes. Paradise also got goals from Shaquan Clarke, while Tarell Nightengale was on target for St Andrew Lions.

Paradise coach Mario Harte was delighted to negotiate another hurdle in the close title race after being defeated by Wales in their previous game.

“Obviously, a little disappointed coming out of last week, but that’s how football goes. If you don’t score your chances, you can’t expect to win. However, it was a good showing tonight to rebound and score some goals,” Harte said.

Following Saturday’s games, Wales now lead on 31 points, ahead of second placed Paradise on 30 and third placed Brittons Hill on 26. Fifth placed Ellerton will be hoping to make up some ground on the leading pack, when they play a potentially tricky game against Bagatelle on Monday.

 

(KH)