By Neto Baptiste
Bendals FC continued to progress in Zone A of the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association’s Second Division as they continue to hunt automatic promotion to the First Division at the end of the season with a 6-2 victory over Master Ballerz.
Playing in Bendals on Wednesday, the home team was carried by striker Alvah Guishard as he hammered five past Master Ballerz’ custodian to record the first individual five-goal haul of the 2019/20 season.
He scored in minutes six, 24, 64, 74 and 82 to stamp his authority on the game. Kaleel Hill had inadvertently scored an own-goal in the third minute to put Bendals ahead as they move to 42 points from 15 showings and second in the standings. They are six points adrift leaders Garden Stars but have played three matches less. Bendals have played 15 times while Garden Stars have played 18 times.
The loss was Master Ballerz’ sixth in 18 matches as they remain on 32 points and sixth in the 14-team standings.
Still in the Second Division, ABAYA defeated Urlings 2-0 as they move to 19 points from 15 showings and ninth in Zone A. Zidane Smith and Jahquan James scored on both sides of the half for the victors.
Meanwhile, in the keenly contested First Division, Tryum FC picked up a much-needed 2-0 win over Police to move 33 points and third in the promotion race.
Danio Myers opened the scoring in the 11th minute, while Curlon Joseph added a second just 11 minutes later to seal Tryum’s ninth win in 17 outings. Police continue to struggle with just 12 points and third from bottom in the table.
Also in the First Division, John Hughes bettered their chances of landing one of two playoff spots with a 2-1 win over Fort Road. Terrance Thomas in minute 18 and Keanu Richardson in minute 57 were on target for the victors. Alren Lewis scored the lone goal for Fort Road.
John Hughes are now eighth in the standings with 21 points, while Fort Road are seventh with 23.
In the other match played on Wednesday, SAP and Willikes fought to a scoreless draw in Willkies. The single point move SAP to 37 points at the top of the standings. However, this could change following Empire’s clash with Blue Jays which was slated for Thursday afternoon.