The head coach of Empire FC, Veron “Epilus” Edwards (left), sits on the bench during a recent fixture at ARG. Edwards has recorded one draw and two losses since being appointed coach of the struggling Empire squad. (Photo by Thaddeus Price)
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Former champions Cool & Smooth Empire received yet another blow to hopes of staving off automatic relegation when they were beaten 1-0 by La Bussola Willikies in the imobile Premier Division at Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG) on Saturday.
Adding insult to injury, it was a former player and captain of the Empire squad, Steveroy “Deman” Anthony, who inflicted the wound when he put a long range effort over the head of goalkeeper Kendell Honore and into the back of the net in minute 28.
Anthony, who coached Willikies for most of the season, latched onto a ball outside the penalty area before launching an airborne effort after realising the lanky custodian was off his goal-line.
Anthony had made his playing debut for Willikies last Wednesday when he appeared against Asot’s Arcade Parham.
The victory lifts Willikes to 17 points after 16 matches and in the number seven position in the 10-team standings with a much better opportunity of staving off relegation to First Division.
Empire, who have struggled to find the right balance and chemistry for the entire season, remain second from bottom on 12 points after 15 matches – just one point ahead of Pigotts Bullets who are at the bottom of the table.
Willikes had several other opportunities to score with their best chance of making it a 2-0 score-line coming in the second half when an effort came off the upright and rebounded into the arms of Honore.
Empire too, had their share of chances, all of which were put either wide of the mark or straight into the waiting arms of the Willikies custodian.
In Saturday’s opening contest, Champion Footwear Greenbay Hoppers had to come from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw against Hospitality Services Sea View Farm.
Farm took the advantage in minute 37 when Kenroy “Chicken” Telemaque hit home from about 40 yards out after realizing goalkeeper Omarie “Spence” Joseph had advanced off his goal-line.
The lead was however short-lived as Hoppers levelled the playing field just two minutes later when national player, Tamarley “Ziggy” Thomas, skillfully swung a free-kick into the far end of the goal from just on the edge of the 18 yards box.
Both teams advanced to 22 points following the draw but Hoppers boast a superior goal average to that of Sea View Farm. Both teams have also played 15 games in the competition.
Premier Division is expected to continue on Wednesday with a double-header at ARG.
