Lashley shines as Wales advance to BFA Champions Cup final

Veteran striker Armando Sugar Lashley continued his excellent goalscoring form with a double strike, as defending Weymouth Wales powered into the final of the Barbados Football Association’s Champions Cup, following a clinical 3-1 win over Brittons Hill United.

Playing at the BFA Technical on Sunday, Lashley scored in the 4th and 15th minutes, before defender Akeem Hill added another goal in the 42nd minute to put Wales in command.

Despite Cotrey Hoyte dispatching an injury time penalty, Brittons United were left to wonder what may have been, after missing at least two good first half chances. The result confirmed they will contest the third place playoff for a second consecutive year.

Speaking after the game, Weymouth Wales Assistant coach Andrew Jean was happy to be back in the final, but wished his side was more clinical in the second half.  

“The first half was excellent, and we stuck to the game plan, as we 

moved the ball quickly and maintained possession,” he explained. “The second half was not so good, however we are working towards a bigger goal which is the final and the upcoming Caribbean Football Union (CFU) competition . . . this week is going to be a lot of recovery, but obviously we’re here to win the game.”

Wales struggled in front of goal for much of the season, as a series of injuries decimated their starting lineup. Jean says their improvement in goal conversion in recent weeks is down to hard work behind the scenes. “Our last five sessions were really just attacking drills, movement off the ball, one touch play, getting behind the defense. We are also very happy that Sugar found some form. Everyone knows he is a top goal scorer.”

Earlier Paradise booted their way emphatically into the final, with a 10-0 demolition of Division Two side Mavericks. 

The lowest ranked side still in the competition, the youthful Mavericks team was outplayed by a rampant Paradise team, boosted by the return of Jaron Ougtherson from an overseas stint.

He duly delivered a hat-trick, while Sheran Hoyte was on target on four occasions, as Paradise enjoyed a good night in front of goal. Mavericks were also unlucky after hitting the goal posts on at least two occasions.

Paradise coach Mario Harte lauded his team, while describing the Mavericks side as one for the future.

“Obviously we’re happy with the victory, because it is a semi-final game regardless of the score.The main thing is to make it to the final, which we did so congrats to the boys for that.

“Hard luck to the young Mavericks team. I hope that they hold their heads high and continue to build because their time will be coming soon. They have some very good talent.”

(KH)