Photo courtesy of BVIFA
By BVIFA
The BVI went down 3-0 to Martinique in their first Group 7 game of the Scotiabank Caribbean Cup on Wednesday 23rd March, 2016 at the Stade Pierre Aliker in Martinique.
Martinique, playing at home, opened the scoring in the 12th minute of play against the British Virgin Islands, when Kevin Parsemain netted. Yuan Aquino made it 2-0 in the 68th minute, while Steven Lange scored Martinique’s third and final goal in the 84th minute.
“Although we lost, we didn’t allow Martinique to play their usual game or run away with things” commented Troy Caesar, “In fact at times we silenced the crowd and even their players were getting frustrated”.
“They were technically good and very fit” stated Asst. Coach John Riley.
“It was tough conceding two late goals” noted Team Manager, Wendell Nichols. “The game was also tough against a very strong team, full of players from France, but now we have to regroup and get ready for Dominica.
The next game, a must win encounter against well known foe in Dominica, is scheduled for Saturday 26th March, on the A.O. Shirley Grounds at 4pm.
“We are looking good, strong and disciplined” stated Riley.
“We have been coming here for a few years now” commented Dominica’s Coach, Shane Marshall. “We hope as always to make our fans here happy. The BVI team has changed a lot and these days they send for players from England and elsewhere, but we have a good combination of youth and experience. Our preparation hasn’t been the best, but we are ready to go”.
The last time the teams met was in the World Cup qualifier in 2015, which ended as a 0-0 stalemate and a result that gives the BVI plenty to be positive about in terms of securing all 3 points.
The full squad includes:
Goal Keepers: Daniel Barker, Ben Chapman, Vesquever Frett.
Defenders: Ryan Dicker, Troy Caesar, Karl Espley, Joshua Fines, James Quinn, Gregory James, Vanquever Frett.
Midfielders: Jordon Johnson, Peter Monks, Kristan Javier, Lewis Jones, Gladstone Burke, Christopher Telemaque, Robert Green.
Forwards: Trevor Peters, Allon Williams.
Avondale Williams is the coach, John Riley the Asst. Coach and Sheldon Harry the Physio.
Fans are encouraged to come out early as their will be plenty of excitement pre-match with a “Fan Village”, food, refreshments and of course a chance to grab the best seats in the house.
The game time has been arranged to suit those coming from Virgin Gorda and of course all those who will be heading back to Virgin Gorda to enjoy the Easter Festival Celebrations.
Entrance to the game is just $5 and all Boys and Girls Under 12 get free entry.
