Islanders FC pull off 3-1 win for eighth National League title

A snapshot of the match an Islanders match from a previous championship. File photo by Dean Greenaway

The Islanders Football Club (FC) pulled off a come-from-behind victory to take this year’s National Football League championship — their eighth such title after defeating Old Madrid Football Club (FC) by three goals to one on Sunday.

Playing at the BVI Football Association’s new stadium venue in East End/Long Look, Old Madrid’s Fitzroy Daley converted the first goal of the match to put his team 1-nil up from the penalty spot.

It only took 11 minutes for the Islanders to find the equalizer which was also via penalty, thanks to Captain Ranalie Cains who made sure that he found the back of the net. 

This was followed by a 35th-minute goal from teammate Sheldon Harry which gave islanders a 2-1 lead, but it was a 72nd-minute finisher from Rohan Lennon which sealed the deal with a 3-1 victory.

Following the win, Captain Cains said, “I knew we would win the championship, although it was a very tight race because we have a group of young and experienced talented players combined together to form a good team.”

Well fought victory

Player and coach of the Islanders, Andy Davis said his team ensured they were fully prepared as they were well aware of the stakes that were up for grabs after missing out in 2019.

“We were able to create chances and capitalize on them despite making a few mistakes. We did not take Old Madrid lightly as we knew they can cause upsets, but the guys stuck to their task, took the game to Old Madrid and scored the goals for a well-fought victory,” Davis stated.

He added: “The title gives the younger players in the team the chance to be part of a winning culture that makes them fight even harder during every game. The tournament has been incredibly competitive with a number of teams showing great potential and developing young players and we now set our sights on next season where we can step up our game and hoping other teams follow suit.”

President of the BVI Football Association, Andy Bickerton also joined in to congratulate the eight-time champions.

“They played exciting, attacking football and deserved their success. They can now look forward to their opportunity to compete in the Caribbean Club Championship in 2021,” Bickerton stated.

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