Empire FC and Jennings United picked up crucial wins in the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) First Division on Tuesday as they remain in the hunt for automatic promotion to the body’s top flight.
Playing at Freeman’s Village, former 13 times champions Empire beat Swetes FC 3-1 as the two promotion contenders battled in the rescheduled contest after the first clash was abandoned at St Johnston’s Village over a week ago after a spectator allegedly threw a bottle onto the field.
Carlos Solomon gave Empire the lead on minute 22 after he lobbed the ball past the advancing Swetes custodian from just inside the penalty area.
Swetes drew level just 12 minutes later when Kemoi Alexander broke free on the ride side before advancing and slotting home a close range effort.
Nickado Lindsay put Empire ahead on minute 76 when he slotted into the far corner after advancing down the right side of the penalty area. Rashidie Lewis sealed the win for the Gray’s Farm men when he lobbed the ball over the head of the advancing Swetes custodian in added time.
The win pushes Empire to 27 points from 12 outings and second on the standings while Swetes remain on 21 points from 11 showings.
Also on Tuesday, Jennings United rallied to a one-nil win over neighbours Bolans FC when they met in Jennings.
Daryl Massicot scored the lone goal of the contest, hitting the back of the net in minute 42 to hand Jennings their seventh win in 11 matches, onto 24 points and third on the standings. Bolans remain on 16 points from 13 showings.
Meanwhile, the contest between SAP and Ottos Rangers ended prematurely at Bolans after spectators allegedly encroached on the playing area. Both teams were scoreless after 68 minutes when the match was ended by the match referee.
Rangers sit at the top of the standings with 27 points after 11 showings while SAP are on 24 points from 12 games. Reports indicate that the match will be rescheduled for a neutral venue.
