Soufrière and Vieux Fort North got a midweek bounce, while Gros Islet and Mabouya Valley continued to struggle in Tier 1 of the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League, after Wednesday fixtures at the Francis Baba Lastic Grounds.
On Wednesday at the Francis Baba Lastic Grounds, Soufrière, currently in fifth place, earned their biggest win so far with a 5-1 victory over hosts Gros Islet.
Jardel Philip put Soufrière ahead in the third minute before a Brandon Eugene own goal in the 44th doubled the lead before halftime.
Halftime substitute Jahlil Evans pulled one back for Gros Islet in the 54th minute, but Darrel Francis restored a two-goal cushion in the 62nd. Another Gros Islet own goal from Aramis Gilbert in the 76th minute made it 4-1.
Gros Islet were reduced to 10 men in the 83rd minute after Samaiel Louisen was sent off for denying a goal-scoring opportunity outside the box, and Soufrière substitute Christian Alexander added the fifth goal in the 84th minute. The win moved Soufrière to 11 points, while their fifth loss in seven games leaves Gros Islet eighth on six points.
In the second match, Vieux Fort North earned a 3-2 win over Mabouya Valley. Maius Stanislaus gave Mabouya Valley the lead in the second minute, but Christopher Gilbert equalised for Vieux Fort North in the 30th to make it 1-1 at the break.
Kim Augustin took over in the second half, scoring twice in the 69th and 83rd minutes to put Vieux Fort North in control. Substitute Alton Joseph scored for Mabouya Valley six minutes into stoppage time (90’+6), but Vieux Fort North held on for the points.
The win pushed Vieux Fort North into fourth place, level on 12 points with third-placed La Clery, while Mabouya Valley remained ninth on five points.
The action continues Thursday night. Dennery could take first place from Vieux Fort South if they beat Central Castries. Central have had a mixed season, winning two of their last three after losing three in a row.
