VG United's (green & yellow) youthful defence tries to hold strong against the experienced Old Madrid on October 30, 2021. Photo: BVIFA

Despite the strong showing from the young VG United, Old Madrid ran out 4-2 winners in their National League game at the FIFA stadium in East End on October 30, 2021. Photo: BVIFA

First up Old Madrid called upon all their tactical nouse to overcome VG United, 4-2, after Fitzroy Daley had opened the scoring in the 3^rd minute before U20 National Squad player, Levon Williams, equalised in the 5^th minute at the FIFA stadium in East End on October 30, 2021.

Daley restored Old Madrid’s lead in the 38^th and in the second half, Nano Ottley made it 3-1, before another BVIFA Youth player, Devante Samuel, pulled one back to make it 3-2.

VG United pushed hard for an equaliser, but the destination of the points was made certain in the 87^th minute when Ottley again found the back of the net.

Old Madrid had to slow game down- Coach

Old Madrid Coach, Elroy Mills aka ‘Mandraker’ was quick to praise the losing team. “Those guys are young and full of energy, so we had to slow the game down and let them run all the time, but those guys only got better to come!”

Old Madrid’s Kelvin Eubanks was thankful for the win, but also acknowledged it was a tough game.

“Despite playing a team that was overall younger and fitter than ourselves, we played well and stuck together. Our collective experience allowed us to defend well, play on the counter and handle their attacks. Timely changes made by the coach proved to finally turn the game in our favour and we were able to defeat what we see as a promising young team.”

Lion Heart edge One Caribbean

Another game full of youngsters saw Lion Heart FC hold on for a 3-2 win against One Caribbean FC.

According to the One Caribbean Coach, Morris Mark, his squad is 75% from the U17 National programme and no less than 8 of them took to the field Sunday, including debutants Nicholas Haycraft and Johari Lacey with others, like Tai Thomas, rested through injury.

The game started with One Caribbean having most of the possession and causing Lion Heart enough problems that they had received two yellow cards for reckless tackles.

Romano Peters of One Caribbean scored the opening goal, from a corner, in the 41st minute but Lion Heart then forced themselves back into the game in the second period, as Daveian Barnum scored twice inside 5 minutes to take a 2-1 advantage.

Experience again showed itself as the youngsters fell further behind in the 67^th minute through Dwayne Smith and the game was all but done before Kelvin Glasgow netted a late goal in the 87^th minute to make it 3-2.

Wolues fight past Rebels

On October 31, 2021, at the same venue, the Wolues had goals from Luca Reich, Noel Maxwell, and Paul Edwardes to thank for a 3-2 win over the Rebels FC, with all five goals coming inside the first 43 minutes, as Ikyjah Williams, another FA U20 player, scored twice for Rebels.

The Islanders also recorded a comfortable 3-0 win over Panthers FC, as goals from Shamar Lawden (24^th and 63^rd mins) and Oswort Holder (80^th) sent them top of the standings.