VG United takes win against Avengers in BVIFA’s Futsal League

Anna French kept her calm and coolly slotted home low into the corner from the penalty spot to net the winner for VG United WFC in a 2-1 win against the Avengers WFC, on Saturday, November 14.

The match, the latest in the BVI Football Association’s Women’s Futsal League, had everything the crowd could have wished for from a local derby between the two teams based in Virgin Gorda, including a neutral venue – Cedar School.

VG Utd were able to stem the free scoring Avengers, executing the plans put in place by their coach, Thomas Albert, to perfection. “I know how those Avengers like to play,” he said. “I know who their key players are and how to shut them down. So, I just urged my team to be patient and defend together until our time to attack came.”

It seemed that the Avengers had found a way around their opponents’ tactical discipline when Keithrece Smith opened the scoring in the 20th minute, but after half time VG were almost unstoppable with Kezia Gumbs, Jakisha Rigobert and French running rampant.

According to Avengers’ coach, Jeffrey Demming, it was a bad day at the office. “We took it lightly but those girls really came at us. In the second half they were all over us and have stepped up their games a lot. They came with a plan and it worked, but we will learn from this and come again.”

Gumbs levelled the game two minutes into the second half and French took her chance from the penalty spot, following a hand ball, with 15 minutes still remaining. Despite VG Utd dominating the game at just one goal to the good there was still time for the Avengers to get back into the game, but once they lost a player to a red card sending off in the 39th minute, there was no way back.

The Panthers WFC will play the Wolues WFC on Saturday, November 21 at 4.30pm, also at Cedar School.

Avengers beat Panthers in ongoing Women’s Futsal League

Avengers WFC with Makeda and Ebony Fahie kneeling in front
Photo: BVIFA

Makeda and Ebony Fahie created a little bit of football history on Saturday, November 7 when the sisters both scored hat tricks in a 7-2 win for the Avengers WFC against the Panthers WFC, in the BVI Football Association’s Futsal League at Cedar School.

Ebony opened the scoring for the Avengers in just the 2nd minute and although Morgan Creque leveled for the Panthers from the penalty spot in the 24th minute and the teams went into the break at 1-1, it didn’t take long for the sisters to blow the Panthers defense wide open in the second half.

Makeda hit a quick fire brace in the 27th and 28th minutes to make it 3-1; Ebony made it 4-1 in the 32nd minute; Keliene Smith made it 5-1 in the 38th and, after Zariya Smith pulled one back for the Panthers in the 46th minute, the sisters both rounded off their free scoring afternoon with a third goal each to make the final score 7-2.

“It was very exciting and rewarding, especially because before the game I challenged myself to help the team get at least 3 goals,” commented Makeda. “It’s been years since we’ve played and we’re all out of shape, but we were determined to win!”

The game marked the first time the sisters had both scored hat tricks in the same game and Makeda was quick to praise her sibling: “I was definitely proud of her because normally her passion for the game sometimes gets the better of her and the team, but she remained focused.”

Ebony also noted that fitness was an issue, but it was great to be back playing and scoring goals. “The Panthers played an extremely competitive game, and it was definitely a challenge, but one I relished,” she said “I’ve always enjoyed playing alongside my sister (Makeda). She’s my wing!”

Avengers coach, Jeffrey Demming commented he was pleased to get off to such an emphatic start. “I think overall we were more organized than the Panthers and the girls did all I asked of them in terms of moving the ball around and taking shots. The Panthers though were an incredibly determined team, and it was only in the last few minutes our fitness proved a difference,” said Demming.

Panthers coach, Jacintha Weeks also felt fitness proved a difference. “We will need to work on that aspect and definitely be back stronger,” she said. “Overall, I am proud of the team and we are all determined to do better in the coming games.”

The Avengers are back in action against VG United on Saturday November 14 with a 4.30pm kick off at Cedar School.