United’s Randolph “Etty” Burton (left) had a double-strike in his team’s 6-1 victory over Pigotts Bullets in the imobile Premier Division football competition on Sunday. (Photo by Thaddeus Price)
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Special Security Services All Saints United jumped to the top of the standings in the imobile Premier Division football competition on Sunday when they pummelled Pigotts Bullets, 6-1, in the first game of a double-header at Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG).
The star-studded squad had double strikes from winger Conroy “Janks” Hall, striker Randolph “Etty” Burton and Quinton Griffith as they climbed to 13 points after six matches.
Hall did the early damage when he netted in minutes 23 and 41 before Burton added a third in minute 45.
Griffith scored his team’s fourth in minute 51 before Bullets had their lone conversion just one minute later when Dion George scored from close range.
Griffith replied 13 minutes later when he scored in the 65th to record his second and his team’s fifth before Burton rounded off the scoring in minute 72.
United are now two points ahead of Bassa who are in the number two spot with 11 points.
United though have played a game more than their neighbours Bassa. Bullets remain at the bottom of the table with one point after six matches.
Head coach of All Saints United, Patmore “Lizer” Hastings, following his team’s victory, said it was long overdue and that he only expects them to get better as the competition rolls on.
“It’s a welcomed victory that has been long overdue. The season has really been playing hide-and-seek with us so we are happy that we have resumed playing and that we resumed with an obviously tremendous victory so we are looking forward for greater things in the future,” he said.
“There is obviously no reason for turning back. We are looking forward and looking positively; 6-1 is a big win. We are just looking to continue in this trend and winning form, maybe not scoring six goals, but obviously goal-scoring is a habit and we are definitely going to be scoring a lot more goals in the season,” Hastings added.
In Sunday’s feature contest, LIME Old Road kept up the goal fest with a 7-2 triumph over La Bussola Willikies.
The round-south men had a hat-trick from national player Gason “Bubbler” Gregory who scored in minutes 22, 42 and 64, respectively, while there was a double strike from Imran Pontine who hit the opponent’s net in minutes 71 and 85, respectively.
National striker Stephan Smith had a strike in minute 31, while national goalkeeper Molvin James also got in on the action when he netted for Old Road from the penalty spot in minute 34.
The victory lifts Old Road to 11 points and into the number two spot in the standings due to a superior goal average to that of third placed Bassa who also have 11 points.
Old Road, however, have a plus 10 average while Bassa boast a plus two.
Old Road Head Coach Derrick “Pretty Boy” Edwards said his players were eager to get back into competition mode following the long break.
“I feel real ecstatic after (being) out for a long time and not really playing any competitive games. It’s a good feeling to come out and get three points. I think the guys performed fairly well under certain conditions but it is a good win for the club and the community,” Edwards said.
“The guys were very eager to play the game on Sunday being they were there not playing any games and they were a bit frustrated because a lot of games have been postponed because of the weather; so I think the guys were really anxious to come out and play yesterday and they really showed some metal where they execute some great finishing,” he added.
The competition is expected to continue today when Champion Footwear Greenbay Hoppers tackle Hospitality Services Sea View Farm at 6:45 pm. Villa Lions will tackle Ottos Rangers in a First Division clash starting at 4:45 pm.
On Thursday, La Bussola Willikies play Sugar Ridge Sap at 6:45 pm, while in First Division, Freeman’s Village face Fort Road at 4:45 pm.
