Wins for Pride of Gall Hill, Ellerton, and defending champions Weymouth Wales kick off Week 2

Defending champions Ensure Max Protein Weymouth Wales were joined in the winning circle on Sunday in the Barbados Football Association (BFA) Premier League by Pride of Gall Hill and Ellerton Club, who also came out on top with three points each.

In the opening match, Gall Hill, with a strong attacking squad, recovered from a goal down in the first half against fellow Christ Church team Wotton to edge them 2-1 at the BFA Technical Centre.

Former Empire Club midfielder Kemar John, now part of the Wotton team, found the back of the net in the 24th minute, giving Wotton a slim advantage that they held onto for the entire first half.

It was only a matter of time before Gall Hill, coached by Barry Taylor, responded. They did so through their leader and captain, Shakarie Mottley, who scored a brace in the 58th and 60th minutes, respectively.

Constant communication and relentless pursuit of possession were instrumental in Gall Hill taking the attack to Wotton, who, for some reason, sat back and failed to press as hard.

Roshon Gittens (on ball) won the match for Ellerton in the second against University of the West Indies Blackbirds.

The second match of the night ended favourably for the men from St George, as Ellerton, plagued with injuries, managed to hold their own with a 1-0 victory over the University of the West Indies (UWI) Blackbirds. UWI, still winless this season, struggled to break through.

Even though UWI constantly attacked the flanks, attempting to cut inside the 18-yard box to find a goal, Ellerton’s defensive third, led by central defender Shane Codrington, did well to avert any possible danger.

Captained by Romario Drakes in place of Shakille Belle, Ellerton registered the only goal of the match thanks to Roshon Gittens, who capitalized on a rebound shot in the 55th minute. There may have been several other missed scoring opportunities but this one was slotted home.

Ellerton were without attackers Rashad Jules and Rommell Bynoe during the second half, as both picked up injuries.

Meanwhile, UWI’s coaching staff, led by Fabian Massiah, made substitutions in an attempt to find a goal, but it made no difference. They failed to break through a strong Ellerton defence, which was supported by a couple of key saves. UWI may feel hard done by some refereeing decisions, particularly the failure to call offside at crucial moments.

Pride of Gall Hill (wearing red) came from a goal down to defeat Wotton Club 2-1 with Kemar John (in blue) scoring for Wotton in a losing cause.

In the final contest of the evening, Weymouth Wales, led by captain Hadan “Fatty” Holligan, produced two second-half goals to edge an equally strong attacking Brittons Hill side.

Two red cards were issued in the first half by referee Kai Jacob. Akeem Hill of Weymouth Wales was the first to be sent off after receiving a second yellow card for handling the ball in the 37th minute. Shakobe Brathwaite of Brittons Hill followed soon after in the 45th minute.

In the second half, Wales looked clinical, and it paid off with a goal from playmaker Jaheim Neblett in the 66th minute, followed by a penalty converted by Romario Harewood in the 82nd minute.

Brittons Hill dangerman Corey Hoyte produced a lovely finish off an Eric Puckerin corner kick in the 85th minute, but they were unable to register the equalizer. (AS)