ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Golden Stars of Urlings and Swetes were winners in Antigua & Barbuda Football Association First Division matches on Saturday as the promotion race intensifies.
Golden Stars, playing at home against Bethesda, won by a goal to nil. Robin Toussaint’s 42nd minute goal was just enough for his team to earn the three valuable points. Both teams had many more opportunities to score but wasted them.
The win lifted Golden Stars to 22 points after 17 matches, while Bethesda remain on 20 points after 16 matches.
In the other match played at Antigua Recreation Grounds, the first match of a triple-header, Swetes beat struggling Lion Hill, 2-nil.
Lion Hill managed to score but at the wrong end when Richie Thomas beat his own keeper in the 34th minute. Rasheed Burton scored the other goal in minute 50. The win lifted Swetes to 21 points from 16 matches, alongside Villa lions who played a match less.
Lion Hill, who continues to languish at the bottom of the standings and seem certain for automatic demotion to Second Division are on eight points from 16 matches.
Celtics FC meanwhile continue to hold a comfortable five-point lead at the top with 37 points after 18 matches, five points clear of second place Fort Road who are on 32 points after 17 matches.
Celtics are 11 points clear of third place Ottos Rangers who sit on 26 points after 16 matches. Five Islands hold on to the fourth position with 23 points, while Golden Stars occupy the fifth position. Villa and Swetes occupy sixth and seventh places, respectively.
Freeman’s Village, Potters Tigers and Bethesda all have 20 points, while Guydadli Travelers with 13 points after 16 matches seem to be the other team destined for automatic demotion. First Division action continues on Tuesday.
