BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - RELENTLESS pressure from S.L. Hosford’s St. Paul’s United FC last evening (June 1) at the Warner Park Football Stadium saw the team defeating Ram’s Village Superstars FC 2-1 in game two of the Best of Three Finals to capture the St. Kitts-Nevis Football Association’s (SKNFA) Premier Division title for the third time in the club’s history.
Following a defeat in game one and a ,must win. in game two to stay in contention for the Title, Ram’s Village Superstars made a bright start with two early chances falling to striker Kimaree Rogers who however failed to convert.
Those chances were however overshadowed in the 30th minute when a long throw in from St. Paul’s was poorly defended by Village, which left Terrence Ward with a simple opportunity to put his team in the lead.
The second goal came just 12 minutes later off the head of Attis Hughes who brilliantly flicked the ball beyond the goalkeeper’s grasp to send St. Paul’s fans into a state of pandemonium as they started to taste victory heading into half time.
The second half saw a desperate Village Superstars team labouring to claw themselves back into the game, but they were frustrated by the defensive pressure from team St. Paul’s.
Village however got a consolation goal through a Travis Rogers header in the 81st minute, which many supporters hoped was a lifeline for their team; but it was not to be.
As the minutes began to wind down, St. Paul’s supporters started singing and jumping in the stands, for they knew their team was close to victory.
Following the blast of the final whistle, celebrations kicked off with team members and their fans as for the third time St. Paul’s had been crowned Champions of the Premier Division.
Josh Leader of St. Paul’s won the award for the Most Valuable Player in the Final Four while Salas Cannonier of Harris Paint St. Peter’s won the Rookie of the Year Award.
Anthony ‘Nets’ Isaac and Kirkland Harris of St. Peter’s won the Coach of the Year Award and Golden Boot (Most Goals) respectively. The Fair Play Award also went to Harris Paint St. Peter’s.
With fireworks, confetti and music filling the air, S.L. Hosford’s St. Paul’s United FC and its large gathering of supporters celebrated well into the night.
Final Position (Final Four)
1st - S. L. Horsford St. Pauls United
2nd - Ram’s Village Superstars
3rd - Hobson Enterprises Garden Hotspurs
4th - Harris Paint St. Peters
