A dramatic late winner in the 86th minute from striker Rommell Bynoe sealed a thrilling 3-2 victory for Ellerton Club over Paradise Club in the nightcap match of the Barbados Football Association’s Premier League on Sunday at the Wildey Turf.
The controversial goal handed Ellerton a crucial three points as they climbed to second place in the standings with 13 points.
Ellerton wasted no time asserting their dominance, attacking down the left flank through their star winger, Rashad Jules. Known for his blistering pace and strength, Jules outpaced Paradise defender Raquan Clarke before delivering a pinpoint cross into the box.
Despite a valiant effort from Paradise goalkeeper Jireh Malcolm and his defenders to clear the danger, Roshon “Speedy” Gittens was left unmarked at the far post and made no mistake, slamming the ball home in the 11th minute to give Ellerton an early lead.
Deadly attacking trio
Paradise struggled to contain Ellerton’s relentless movement and firepower up front, with Jules, Bynoe, and captain Shakille Belle forming a deadly attacking trio. Paradise duly paid the price in the 22nd minute. Midfielder Romario Drakes skilfully bypassed veteran defender Ramon Manning and set up Bynoe, who produced a clinical one-time finish inside the six-yard box to double Ellerton’s advantage.
Recognising the defensive frailties, Paradise’s head coach Mario Harte made an aggressive tactical switch, substituting centre-back Tito Beckles for midfielder Sheran Hoyte. The change immediately paid dividends as Hoyte injected muchneeded energy into the Paradise attack.
Just minutes after stepping onto the field in the 30th minute, he dribbled past Ellerton’s Shane Codrington inside the box and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom-left corner, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
With momentum shifting, Paradise captain Jomo Harris nearly equalised on the stroke of half-time. A lofted pass from Khimani Cox found Rojae “Messi” Collins in a dangerous position, but his effort flew just wide, leaving Ellerton with a narrow lead at the break.
The second half saw even more drama as Paradise were reduced to ten men in the 55th minute. Goalkeeper Malcolm, in an ill-advised attempt to take on Ellerton striker Belle outside the box,
was shown a straight red card by referee Cleon Culley. Veteran shot-stopper Jason “Barbers” Boxill was brought in as his replacement, while Ellerton’s Greg Jones continued to stand firm in goal on the opposite end.
Suffered concussion
Paradise made further changes, introducing striker Christian “Banna” Gill for Collins in a bid to bolster their attack. However, their night took another unfortunate turn when midfielder Reymar Walters suffered a concussion in the 75th minute and had to be substituted.
Despite being a man down, Paradise continued to press forward and were rewarded in the 84th minute when goalkeeper Boxill launched a long searching ball over the top. Hoyte once again proved himself invaluable, latching onto the pass and slotting home his second goal of the match to level the score 2-2.
Two minutes later, controversy struck. Bynoe collected a pass inside the 18yard box and slotted the ball into the net, securing victory for Ellerton.
Despite the Paradise players’ protests and appeals for off-side, referee Culley upheld FIFA assistant referee Abigail Brathwaite’s call, leaving the Christ Church side frustrated and Ellerton celebrating a crucial win.
In other Premier League action, defending champions Weymouth Wales maintained their position at the top of the standings on 18 points with a commanding 4-0 win over Pride of Gall Hill. Left-back Andre Applewaite led the charge with a brace in the 19th and 31st minutes, while Ackeel Applewaite (53rd) and Rashad Smith (64th) also got on the scoresheet.
Meanwhile, Brittons Hill secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Kickstart Rush in the opening match of the evening. Goals from Shaquille Boyce (27th), Tavian Eastmond (74th), and Arantees Lawrence (84th) secured the win, while Shad Parris (24th) and Carl Hinkson (40th) netted for Kickstart. (ML)
