With a repeat score line VG United continued to show impressive early season form to open their National League campaign with a 4-0 victory against defending Champion, One Love FC at the East End / Long Look stadium venue.

Last weekend, VG Utd went home with the Emmett Caines Knockout Cup trophy after beating One Love FC and this weekend they went home with all three points and having stamped their authority over the National League 2022/23 champions, who over two games have had no answer to the skillful, fast and organized play of their opponents.

Deshawn Richardson opened the scoring in the 28^th minute, Kijuan Nimblett doubled the advantage in the 34^th minute and the game was put to bed by Jaadon Quashie who scored the third goal in the 54^th minute. The dependable Bernard Cumberbatch then continued his hot scoring streak across all competitions this season, adding the fourth in the 60^th minute.

“I’m really proud of the guys” exclaimed Manager Jermain Abrams “we played the defending the champions, but were composed, took care of the ball, had a plan, played as a unit, and stuck to the tactics. Big praise goes to Thomas Albert for keeping a clean sheet. We had to make some adjustments with players away on National team duty, but everyone listened to Coaches Richie Morton and Glenn Bascombe, and we couldn’t be happier with the start.”

Crosstown rivals, Sugar Boys FC also got their season off to a resounding start, overcoming Old Madrid FC 5-0 on the Virgin Gorda Recreation Ground, with the game all over as a contest by half time, as first Andres Bailey scored in the 5^th minute, Alejandro Sanchez made it 2-0, in the 17^th minute and then Michael Castillo made it 3 in the 41^st minute.

The second half was all Sugar Boys with Bailey scoring his second and the fourth in the 59^th minute and then Sanchez scored the fifth and his second in the 88^th minute to round out the scoring.

“We are happy for the victory and happy to come out on top, but it wasn’t one of best games” noted Derol Redhead “we squeezed in some goals and could have scored more, but those goals came at the right time to ease the pressure and frustration. We will definitely work hard on the areas we need to improve on and can only get better as the season wares on.”

Back at East End / Long Look, the Islanders FC also showed signs that under new Coach, Fitzroy Daley, they are heading back into some real form with a 4-1 victory over Lion Heart FC, who opened the scoring through Lushane Williams in the 7^th minute.

The response from the Islanders took just ten minutes when Oswort Holder levelled the game. Enrico Bowen made it 2-1 in the 28^th minute and Cardinal Hall scored twice in the 79^th and 80^th minutes to ensure all three points.

“We came out and tried to play good football” commented Daley “we are trying to rebuild as a team and need to get more consistent in passing and taking care of the ball, but that will come with training. We have a lot to improve on but will stick with our principles of possession football and moving the ball about quickly. Thankfully, we did enough to win the first game and once we intensify the training then we will have a good season.”

Week two action sees Wolues FC v Lion Heart FC on Saturday 21^st October at East End with a 6pm kick off. On Sunday at the same venue, Old Madrid FC take on Rebels FC at 6.00pm and then Positive FC face One Love FC at 8.00pm.

The game on the Virgin Gorda Recreation Ground features VG United versus Panthers FC on Sunday 22^nd October with a 6.00pm kick off.