The Barbados Soccer Academy (BSA) will be kicking in the Premier League next season.
That’s because they wrapped up Zone 2 of the Barbados Football Association’s Division 1 competition on Wednesday night after defeating L&R United 2-1 at the Hilda Skeene playing field in St Philip.
With three more rounds to go, the BSA have an unassailable lead on 41 points, 12 ahead of nearest rivals Youth Milan.
Coached by Andrew Tudor, the BSA have continued their fantastic form from the 2017 season, when they won promotion from Division 2 as champions. They also clinched third place in the Champions Cup after defeating Notre Dame.
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Their main target man has been 19-year-old Noah Nicholas, who has 14 goals from 16 matches. His form has helped the Academy to 14 wins, one draw and a single loss so far for the season with a total of 48 goals netted. Their defence have been just as reliable as the strike force, conceding only nine goals.
Youth Milan are set to book a place in the play-off for the third promotion spot once they can hold off a challenge from the Barbados Defence Force, who are in third place. Milan are four points ahead of the BDF on 31 points.
In Zone 1, the resurgent St Andrew Lions demolished Potential Ballers 4-1, moving six points clear at the top of the zone. Second-placed Wotton FC have 25 points and a game in hand.
The Lions, who are known for their speedy style of football, have gone undefeated in their last eight games. Their record stands at nine wins, four draws and three defeats, and victory in their next two games would secure them promotion to the Premier League. This is the Lions’ second year in Division 1 after gaining promotion in 2016.
Wotton, the only team left in the zone who can capture the zone championship, will be hoping the Lions slip up. Their four remaining games can give them a maximum of 37 points and should they fail to capture the zone, they will have to settle for a play-off spot, probably against Youth Milan, for promotion.
Potential Ballers are off the pace in third place. (BFA)
