Bottom of the table Central Castries stunned two-time defending champions La Clery in Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League Tier 1 action at the Francis Baba Lastic Grounds in Gros Islet. Even though Vieux Fort South lost to Dennery, they kept their place at the top, while Mabouya Valley moved up from last place with a win over Anse La Raye.
On Sunday, Central Castries came from behind to defeat La Clery 2-1. Yanic Noel gave the champions the lead towards the end of the opening period, with his league-leading seventh goal. But Messiah Pinel equalised before substitute Rai Gaspard scored the winning goal to lift Central Castries into eighth position on six points. La Clery remained third with 12 points from seven matches.
Earlier on Sunday, Vieux Fort North earned a 3-1 victory over Soufriere. Edric Popo scored twice, alongside a goal from Kim Augustin, while Anthonie Herman replied for Soufriere. The result moved Vieux Fort North into fourth place on nine points, with Soufriere fifth on eight.
Dennery stayed close to the top of the table on Saturday by beating leaders Vieux Fort South 2-1. Elijah Joseph put Dennery ahead in the seventh minute, but Gregson President levelled the score from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute. Garvin Reggie struck the decisive goal for Dennery one minute into stoppage time. Vieux Fort South stayed top of the standings on 14 points, with Dennery one point behind on 13 with a game in hand.
Mabouya Valley, Dennery’s neighbours, got their first win of the season on Saturday by beating Anse La Raye 2-1, though they are still in the relegation zone. Torian Joseph scored in the 11th minute, and Maius Stanislaus added another in the 78th, just after Marcalan John scored for Anse La Raye in the 77th. The win moved Mabouya Valley up to ninth place with five points and dropped Anse La Raye to last place on goal difference.
In other weekend action, Canaries defeated hosts Gros Islet 3-1. Rickelme Lionel gave Gros Islet the lead in the 28th minute, only for Alex Longville to equalise in the 30th, before veteran striker David Henry scored twice in the 50th and 53rd minutes to secure the points for Canaries. Gros Islet are seventh, and Canaries sixth.
In Tier 2 play, Desruisseaux secured a 2-1 win over the Saint Lucia National Under-17 team. Neandre Charles scored both goals for Desruisseaux, in the 38th and 90th minutes, while an 84th-minute own goal provided the Under-17 tally. Desruisseaux ended the game with 10 players after Ahmed Francis was sent off for dissent in added time.
(TF)
