The Islanders FC claimed their eighth National League title with a 3-1 win against Old Madrid FC on Sunday 6th December, 2020 at the BVI Football Association’s new stadium venue in East End / Long Look.
According to player / coach of the Islanders, Andy Davis, his team went into the game fully prepared and understanding what a win would mean. “We were able to create chances and capitalize on them despite making a few mistakes,” he commented. “We did not take Old Madrid lightly as we knew they can cause upsets, but the guys stuck to their task, took the game to Old Madrid and scored the goals for a well fought victory.
Going a goal down did not help the nerves much, but captain Ranalie Cains cancelled out Fitzroy Daley’s 15th minute opener in the 26th minute with both goals coming from the penalty spot. “This game was a crucial one and we had to come out victorious,” said Cains.
Sheldon Harry then put the Islanders ahead in the 35th minute, but it was not until the 72nd minute when Rohan Lennon made it 3-1 that the Islanders settled the title race. “I knew we would win the championship, although it was a very tight race because we have a group of young and experienced talented players combined together to form a good team.” noted Cains.
“It’s a good feeling winning the league after missing out the previous year,” confirmed Davis. “The title gives the younger players in the team the chance to be part of a winning culture that makes them fight even harder during every game. The tournament has been incredibly competitive with a number of teams showing great potential and developing young players and we now set our sights on next season where we can step up our game and hoping other teams follow suit.”
BVIFA president, Mr. Andy Bickerton was quick to applaud title winners. “Congratulations go to the Islanders on securing another National League Championship. They played exciting, attacking football and deserved their success. They can now look forward to their opportunity to compete in the Caribbean Club Championship in 2021,” he said.
Wolues captain, Philip Nelson was also quick to congratulate the Islanders on holding off his team’s challenge for the Championship. “It was disappointing to come so close, but it wasn’t to be. The Islanders were the more consistent team throughout the year, and we congratulate them as worthy winners. We are already looking forward to battling again next season.” he warned.
Nelson’s comments came immediately after seeing his team romp to a 5-0 rout of One Love FC. “A great performance from start to finish and we were happy to secure second. We managed to take the lead in the first minute and never looked back with all the lads being fully committed to finishing the season the right way. One Love battled well throughout, but the quality of chances created was the ultimate difference,” said Nelson.
The Wolues’ goals came from Nelson, who scored from the penalty spot in the 4th minute, Ian Chambers, who scored twice in 29th and 52nd minutes, Noel Maxwell in the 32nd and Chester James in the 82nd.
In other results, the Sugar Boys FC thumped the Rebels FC 4-0 on goals from Jorge Gonzalez (24th), Terence Nanton (42nd) and Derrol Redhead (83rd and 89th), and Lion Heart FC drew 3-3 with the Panthers FC with Necarious Watt (28th), Dwayne Smith (34th) and Sheldon Brown (79th) all on target for Lion Heart, whilst Nigel Sanderson (45th and 75th) and Vanrick Depesche (50th) replied for the Panthers.
