Shanea Francois shoots agonisingly inches wide as BFEC hold on to take all 3 points. Photo: Charlie Jackson/VINO

Abigail Joseph of HLSCC about to tackle BFEC's Sapphire Flax during the one nil defeat in the BDO School League. Photo: Charlie Jackson/VINO

Makeda Fahie denies Philly James an equaliser with a last minute tackle. Photo: Charlie Jackson/VINO

A shot from Dalia Sonny had seemed to be passing harmlessly wide of the HLSCC goal before it dipped and swerved to crash into the post. With the defense wrong footed and goal keeper, Tyianna Alexander, out of position Flax pounced on the loose ball to score the only goal of the game.

Her strike half-way through an eventful first half and coming on the back of her five goal spree against Elmore Stoutt High School , was enough to settle an even contest and was just about what TK Robinson’s side deserved after creating the better chances despite having to soak up a growing amount of pressure after the break.

With Lavern “Ebony” Fahie and Kelianne Smith both missing, BFEC were reliant on the defensive qualities of Makeda Fahie and De Ashlii George with Sonny to link up the play going forward. They did so well that the combined threat of Murcella Gordon, Kezia Gumbs and Philly James was all but snuffed out.

Gumbs did handle Flax better than most, Gordon was the catalyst for most of the HLSCC attacks and James’ pace caused havoc down both wings for the entire game, but when they got shots on target Keithrece Smith was unbeatable in goal.

D’Elle George linked up with Gordon for perhaps the most clear cut chance, but as Gordon slid her pass to James, Smith rushed out to clear the danger. Fahie also made a last ditch toe to toe tackle to deny James from close range with the keeper beaten.

Sonny continued to be a threat down the left side and having robbed Dariana Glasgo of the ball inside her own half she set off on a maizy run that needed all the defensive skills of Abigail Joseph to thwart. Patience Joseph was also on hand with a last ditch tackle to deny the twisting and turning Flax a second goal, getting in a defiant block as she prepared to shoot.

For long periods in the second half BFEC were happy to defend deep and keep their one goal advantage, a play which almost cost them as in the dying minutes of a game ultimately for shortened by an impending ferry departure.

A few minutes earlier, Gordon’s corner had been narrowly missed by James’ who mistimed her attempted header and as the seconds ebbed away HLSCC launched one more attack. Gordon’s pass bobbled its way to Shanea Francois, who out ran the massed defense only to see her shot flash inches wide of the post with the keeper beaten. The teams will meet again next Friday in Virgin Gorda.