The fourth round of the Saint Lucia Semi-Pro Football League (SPFL) continued on Wednesday evening at the Francis Baba Lastic Grounds in Gros Islet, with wins for relegation-threatened Central Castries and two-time title holders La Clery.
In the opening encounter, Central Castries moved off the foot of the table, getting their first points after securing a 2-1 victory over Tier 2 champions Anse La Raye.
The first half was goalless, and Central took some time to get flowing, after getting to the venue late. But they were bound and determined to get their first win, and to hand the west coast men their second loss of the term.
Pernal William put the capital side ahead in the 66th minute with a rocket from a Bennerero Wellington free kick. Anse La Raye equalised in the 73rd minute when Erick Gabriel converted from the penalty spot. But in the 74th minute, Gabriel turned the ball into his own net under severe pressure from Wellington to give Central all the points.
Central moves into ninth in the league, ahead of only Mabouya Valley, now the only team yet to taste victory in this year’s tournament.
In the second fixture, back-to-back defending champions La Clery went joint top of the table on points with a 2-0 win over hosts Gros Islet.
Following a scoreless opening period, Yanic Noel broke the deadlock on the hour mark with a shot from just outside the six-yard box, resulting from excellent close passing featuring Mervin St Romain and Erickson Magloire.
Gros Islet pressed forward in search of an equaliser, but could not get past Footballer of the Year, Devone St Prix, in goal for La Clery. Instead it was Baggio Edward who struck four minutes into stoppage time (90’+4), lobbing goalkeeper Emmerson Biscette to seal the three points for La Clery.
Gros Islet languish just above the relegation zone, with just one win from four games and three points to their credit, ahead of Central only on goal difference.
Tier 2, the Super League, continues on Friday at Francis Baba Lastic Grounds, when Micoud comes up against Choiseul. In Tier 1, the Premier League will pit tow of the four remaining unbeaten teams, Dennery and Vieux Fort North.
