BVI bows out of World Cup 2018 qualifiers

By BVIFA

BVI in possession of the ball in first round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers vs Dominica but bows out 2-3. Photo: BVIFA

BVI in possession of the ball in first round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers vs Dominica but bows out 2-3. Photo: BVIFA

Needing to win by two clear goals after losing the “home” leg to Dominica, 3-2, the BVI were held goalless in the away leg at Windsor Park, Roseau, of the first round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers and bowed out of the competition on Sunday evening.

The BVI started brightly and took full advantage of the space offered by the Dominica side that preferred to sit back and wait out the opening exchanges.

With a revamped line including switching James Shearman to right back and inserting Trevor Peters out wide on the right, the hosts were nearly made to pay for their hesitancy, firstly by Matthew Bell and then Karl Espley, who both saw half chances go begging.

Ever dangerous on the break, Dominica sounded alarm bells, with Julian Wade going close and Daniel Barker producing a finger tip save of the match to keep BVI hopes alive.

Early in the second half, with the game still in the balance, Peters just failed to get a touch ahead of the last defender, with the goal beckoning. Andy Davis also saw a shot scream just wide and Epsley also saw his effort go wide.

However, with the hosts now introducing Randolph Peltier, much to the crowds delight, the BVI were pushed back and thankful for more fine saves from Barker including a couple of one on ones with Peltier, a diving block to deny Wade and also another fine save from Sidney Lockhart.

On the night, a stalemate was a fair result and represented a tremendous performance from the BVI team. Coach Avondale Williams, whilst regretting the defensive errors that cost his team dear in the first leg, noted that he was proud of his team.

“It was very difficult to break down their defense but we battled hard, created a few good chances, but were unable to convert them,” said Williams. “Daniel Barker was very impressive and kept us in the game, especially as we pushed forward in the latter stages of the game. To go out of the competition is a bitter pill to swallow, but with the performance I believe we are on the right track to only get better and better as a team.”

Dominica’s Coach, Shane Marshall commented that his team grew into the game especially in the second half. “We started slowly, but in the second half began to knock the ball around, looked comfortable and had many shots on goal,” said Marshall. “Before we play Canada, we have to go back to the drawing board and work on our first touches, our crosses and our finishing.”

BVI Football team loses first World Cup qualifier game to Dominica

By BVIFA

Eduard Moss opening the scoring for the BVI against Dominica in first leg of Round 1 World Cup Qualifier. Photo: BVIFA

Eduard Moss opening the scoring for the BVI against Dominica in first leg of Round 1 World Cup Qualifier. Photo: BVIFA

The BVI Men’s National team went down 3-2, to Dominica on Thursday 26th March in the first leg of Round 1 of Qualifying for the World Cup 2018.

Dominating for large parts of the first half in front of a large, boisterous crowd, the BVI went ahead in the 42nd minute when Jordan Johnson played the perfect cross into the path of Eduard Moss, who finished superbly from just outside the box.

The lead, though, was short lived as right on the stroke of half time, Glenworth Elizee was on hand to volley home a loose ball following a long throw, which caught the BVI defense napping and an overhead kick from Julian Wade.

Jordan Johnson smashed home a volley from 20 yards out to restore the BVI’s advantage, ten minutes into the second half, but Mitchell Joseph equalized 14 minutes later, following a scintillating run by Randolph Peltier.

Peltier would go on to cause havoc down the Dominica left and then break the deadlock with less than ten minutes to go, steaming down the middle to outpace the BVI defense, round the goal keeper and slot home the game’s winner and give Dominica a 3-2 victory.

“It was a great finish, but I have to give it all to Jordan,” said Moss. “I didn’t have to break my stride at all and very happy to hit the back of the net

“Overall I’m not happy with my individual performance, but the boys played well and will put it all together for Sunday Night.”

The second leg will take place at 5pm on Sunday, at the same venue, with the BVI needing to win by at least two clear goals.

Dominica’s Coach, Shane Marshall noted, “The BVI team has changed completely and we suffered with poor touches early in the game, but we have a habit of beating the BVI. As long as we correct those mistakes we will win convincingly on Sunday.”

“It’s bitterly disappointing,” said Jordan Johnson. “It was good to score a goal, but that means nothing.  All the boys believed we would get a positive result but we can pick ourselves up and I believe we have an opportunity still to progress to the next stage”

BVI Coach, Avondale Williams was pleased with the overall performance but concerned with fitness levels, “A lack of fitness came into play in the last 15 minutes and we didn’t have a strong bench to turn to. But we will go back to the drawing board and come back better on Sunday. I’m confident we will get the job done, come back revitalized, take our chances and come out victorious.”