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By Neto Baptiste
Golden Grove FC made yet another bold statement in their bid for promotion to the Antigua Premier League when they pulled off a confident 4-2 win over former champions and one of the country’s most successful clubs, Empire FC when they met in the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) First Division earlier this week.
Playing at the Keithley Sheppard Recreation Park, Nyique Baptiste led the charge for Golden Grove with a hat trick, netting in minutes 22, 25 and 28. An own-goal by Alex Hadaway in minute 38, accounted for Golden Grove’s other conversion.
Ironically, it was a Golden Grove own-goal that gave Empire their first of the match when, in minute 63, Walton Rhodes inadvertently put the ball into the back of his own net. Three minutes later, Kamali Looby cut the lead in half when he struck from close range.
The win lifts Golden Grove to 18 points from seven matches at the top of the standings, three points ahead of second-placed Greenbay Hoppers who have 15. Hoppers have however played a game less than Golden Grove.
Empire, following what was their second loss in seven matches, remain on 11 points and fourth in the 14-team standings.
There was victory as well for Five Islands as they edged FC Master Ballers one-nil at Five Islands. Demario Roberts scored the only goal of the match as the home team took all three points to move into the third position in the standings with 15 points from eight matches. Master Ballers remain on six points after seven matches and 10th in the standings.
In the other match contested, Bolans FC recorded a comfortable 3-1 win over Blue Jays FC at Jennings.
David Joseph led for the victors with a brace, scoring in minutes 57 and 74 while Romario Christian rounded off his team’s scoring with a strike of his own in the 78th minute. Ajahrie Hosier had given Blue Jays the lead with a seventh-minute conversion.
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