Local football fans are in for a veritable feast this weekend as there will be five games on offer in the Barbados Football Association’s Premier League.
With the action returning to the Wildey Astroturf since last month, more and more spectators have been making their way to the new stadium as 12 teams do battle under the new format.
Tomorrow night, the first game will see many-time champions Barbados Defence Force Sports Programme (BFA) continue in their campaign to take back the title after two years of missing out on the top spot. They have a date against Mark’s Auto Spares Porey Spring in the first game at 7 p.m. and their flawless performance thus far in the tournament has them at the top of Zone 2 with nine points from three games.
On the other hand, Porey Spring have four points from four games after taking draws each time. Having had a decent showing early on in the season with their performance in the Williams Equipment Pre-Season Cup, they now need to take home a win but that will be no easy task against the soldiers.
The nightcap game is a Christ Church derby between Abrahams United Silver Sands and Paradise and this one is expected to be a close clash.
The former have only one win to show for their work in four games as they sit at the bottom of the Zone 1 standings. Silver Sands also had a good campaign in the Pre-Season Cup but have failed to make a clean transition after gaining promotion at the end of last year. With only three points to show for their work in four games, they need to take a win this weekend.
Paradise are top-tier stalwarts and are looking to better their 2017 fourth-place finish.
After a meteoric rise to the top flight of local football just a few years ago, Rendezvous are but a shadow of their former selves as they are in the relegation zone in Zone 2. They have a date with Home Improvement Hardware Compton in Sunday’s first game and they need to change their fortunes. Taking points from two draws in four games, they will be hoping that the fifth time is the charm.
Compton are also in the red with the same two points from two draws. They however, have a game in hand with only three played. Surviving relegation by the skin of their teeth last year, if they do not turn things around soon, they may not be as lucky this year.
The 6 p.m. game is scheduled to see Clayton’s Kola Tonic Notre Dame and Brittons Hill United crossing swords. This match will be a fight for second place as both teams are on six points from two wins in four games.
Notre Dame did not have a good time in the Pre-Season Cup but have been playing some exciting football in the League. Leaning heavily on a young and energetic squad, the Dames have what it takes to do well this year. Brittons Hill have the benefit of doing well in the Pre-Season Cup and making the transition into the league – a much welcome change from an eighth-place finish last year.
The nightcap on Sunday is set to feature Crane and Equipment Ellerton and the University of the West Indies Blackbirds at 8 p.m.
Ellerton are currently in second place behind BDFSP on seven points from two wins and draw in four games. After finishing third last year and a strong showing in the Pre-Season Cup, the St George side have been in form and should continue to do well.
The Blackbirds are yet to win a game in the league and have three draws and a loss to see them to three points. (BFA)
