As the third season of the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League reaches its halfway point, the title race is wide open. The top four teams are separated by just two points. Vieux Fort South, Dennery and two-time champions La Clery all dropped points over the weekend, while Canaries moved up to second place with a win.
Gros Islet defeated league leaders Vieux Fort South 3-2 at Soufriere Stadium. Ridel Stanislaus opened the scoring in the 12th minute after a goalkeeper error. Jahlil Evans made it 2-0 just before halftime, and Rickelme Lionel added a third in the 54th minute by beating the offside trap.
Vieux Fort South replied late with stoppage-time goals from Zephaniah Edwin (90’+4) and substitute Jerneil Alexander (90’+7). This was only VFS’ second loss of the season, while Gros Islet earned their fourth win.
Canaries pulled off the weekend’s standout result, beating La Clery 1-0 despite playing with 10 men. Nick Longville was sent off in the 42nd minute for denying a clear scoring chance. Just after halftime, Steven Octave scored the only goal, taking advantage of a lucky bounce in the box.
In the second encounter, Dennery and Soufriere drew 1-1. Shaquelle William put Dennery ahead in the 68th minute, but Jardel Philip converted an 85th-minute penalty to level the score. Dennery had Eitan Stanio cautioned in the 54th minute, while Shermar Simeon (52nd minute), Curt Calixte (52nd) and Terry George (66th) received yellow cards for Soufriere.
Sunday concluded with two matches decided in stoppage time.
Bottom-of-the-table Mabouya Valley secured a 1-0 win over Central Castries, just their second win in nine games. Halftime substitute Maius Stanislaus scored two minutes into added time.
In the final match of the weekend, Anse La Raye climbed off the bottom of the table as they edged Vieux Fort North 3-2. Erick Gabriel scored for Anse La Raye in the 48th minute, and Riquelme Elva equalised for Vieux Fort North in the 55th minute.
Substitute Marlon St Aimee gave Vieux Fort North the lead in the 74th. Anse La Raye responded through substitute Nangee Phillip in the 78th, before Nevin William scored the winner two minutes into stoppage time.
After nine games, Vieux Fort South remain at the top, but Canaries are just one point behind. Dennery and La Clery trail by another point, while Soufriere, Vieux Fort North and Gros Islet are close behind, separated only by goal difference.
