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Sunday, May 04, 2025
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Bermudian Footballers Round-Up USA & UK
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Nesbeth's Chicago Stars Hold Gotham in Tight Encounter
Leilanni Nesbeth and her Chicago Stars teammates travelled to the Sports Illustrated Stadium to face Gotham FC, with the two sides ultimately playing out a hard-fought and scoreless draw. In a tightly contested match, both teams battled fiercely but neither could find the decisive breakthrough, resulting in a point apiece.
Nolan's Bradford City End Season with Home Defeat
Meanwhile, Aaliyah Nolan and her Bradford City Women's teammates took to the Horsfall Community Stadium field for their final match of the season, but unfortunately ended their campaign with a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Chester Le Street.
Prior to the match, Nolan rallied her teammates with an impassioned message, saying, "This is it, the final battle on our home turf. Every moment, every play, every ounce of effort has led to this. It's not just another game; it's our chance to finish strong, defend our home, and make it count. Let's leave it all out there together." Despite Nolan's inspiring words, Bradford City Women were unable to secure a positive result in their final home fixture.
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Saturday, May 03, 2025
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Joy for Wells & Bristol City - Heart Break for Hall & Chorley
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Wells & Bristol City into Play-Offs After Dramatic Comeback
There was elation at Ashton Gate as Nahki Wells and his Bristol City teammates staged a stunning comeback from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw with Preston North End, a result that sealed their Championship play-off qualification on a day of high stakes across the league.
Preston North End, knowing that a victory would guarantee their Championship survival, took the lead in the first half through Emil Riis, silencing the home crowd. The tension at Ashton Gate was palpable, with Bristol City aware that a defeat could open the door for Millwall or Blackburn Rovers to snatch their play-off spot with a win in their respective fixtures.
Preston looked to have tightened their grip on survival and further dented City's play-off hopes when Milutin Osmajic doubled their lead on the hour mark. However, Nigel Pearson's Bristol City side showed tremendous character and refused to surrender their play-off aspirations.
The fightback began when Ross McCrorie pulled a goal back for the Robins, injecting renewed hope into the Ashton Gate faithful. And with the clock ticking down and play-off dreams hanging in the balance, McCrorie struck again, grabbing his second goal of the game to level the score at 2-2.
The dramatic draw sparked scenes of celebration among the Bristol City players and supporters, knowing they had battled back from the brink to secure their place in the Championship play-offs. For Nahki Wells, a key figure in City's attack throughout the season, the comeback and play-off confirmation will be a moment to savor. The result ensured that Bristol City wouldn't have to rely on favours elsewhere, their resilience earning them a shot at promotion.
Hall Double Not Enough as Chorley's Playoff Dream Ends at Scunthorpe
Kole Hall struck twice for Chorley FC in their Vanarama National League North Play-Off Semi-Final clash against Scunthorpe United, but his goals ultimately proved in vain as the Magpies fell to a 4-2 defeat at the Attis Arena, bringing their season to a close.
Despite Hall's impressive contribution in front of goal, Chorley were unable to contain a determined Scunthorpe side on their home turf. The Bermudian striker's brace will offer some personal consolation, but the overriding emotion for him and his teammates will undoubtedly be disappointment as their promotion aspirations were dashed.
The game saw Scunthorpe take the initiative, utilising their home advantage to put pressure on the Chorley defence. While Hall managed to find the net on two occasions, showcasing his clinical finishing, Scunthorpe's attack proved too potent, finding the back of the net four times to secure their place in the playoff final.
For Chorley and Hall, the season ends in disappointment at the semi-final stage. Despite a strong campaign and Hall's individual efforts in this crucial encounter, they were unable to overcome the final hurdle against a Scunthorpe United side now one step closer to promotion. The Chorley faithful will no doubt reflect on a season of hard work and near misses, while Hall can take some pride in his scoring contribution in this final, albeit unsuccessful, outing.
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Saturday, May 03, 2025
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USL Championship & USL Super League Round-Up
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Smith's Rhode Island FC Hold San Antonio in Thrilling Goalless Draw
Head Coach Khano Smith witnessed his Rhode Island FC side battle their way to a hard-fought 0-0 draw against San Antonio FC in a captivating Eastern Conference clash in the USL Championship. The Centreville Bank Stadium was packed to the rafters with a sold-out crowd of 10,700 passionate fans who were treated to an intense and evenly contested encounter. Despite numerous chances at both ends, neither team could find the breakthrough, resulting in a valuable point for Smith's Rhode Island FC against a strong San Antonio outfit.
Christopher's Fort Lauderdale Stumble in Playoff Chase
Meanwhile, it was a disappointing outing for Nia Christopher and her Fort Lauderdale United FC teammates as they fell to a 4-1 defeat against Brooklyn Football Club W at Beyond Bancard Field. This pivotal USL Super League battle carries significant playoff implications for Christopher's side.
The loss extends Fort Lauderdale's winless streak to six matches, a concerning run of form as the inaugural USL Super League season approaches its climax. The result sees them slip to sixth place in the league standings. With just four crucial matches remaining, their upcoming fixture against Lexington SC on May 16th could prove to be a defining moment in Fort Lauderdale's push to secure a playoff berth. They will need to find a way to reverse their recent fortunes if they are to compete in the post-season.
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Thursday, May 01, 2025
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Trott Unused as Copenhagen Edge Danish Cup First Leg
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Nathan Trott watched from the bench as his FC Copenhagen teammates secured a slender 1-0 away victory against Viborg FF in the first leg of the Danish Cup semi-final at the Energi Viborg Arena.
A moment of quality from Jordan Larsson proved to be the difference between the two sides. Despite Copenhagen ultimately taking the lead, the home side, Viborg, arguably had the better of the opening exchanges. The Superliga giants struggled to find their usual fluency, particularly in containing the lively Serginho. The 24-year-old Portuguese winger caused the Copenhagen defence significant problems with his attacking threat.
Viborg had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock six minutes before half-time when Serginho was brought down on the edge of the penalty area. However, Isak Jensen, the 21-year-old who boasts an impressive record of three goals from direct free-kicks this season, was unable to capitalize, failing to hit the target.
The tie remains finely poised ahead of the return leg, which will be played at FC Copenhagen's Parken stadium on Thursday, May 8th. The winner of this semi-final will go on to face either Brondby or Silkeborg in the Danish Cup final. Their first semi-final encounter in Copenhagen ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, suggesting a potentially exciting conclusion to the cup competition.
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Wednesday, April 30, 2025
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Playoff Heartbreak for Burgess, Martin & Clemons
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It was a night of playoff drama across various leagues, with contrasting fortunes for Bermudian footballers Jutorre Burgess, Keziah Martin, and Willie Clemons.
Burgess' Harborough Town Fall in Penalty Shootout
Jutorre Burgess and his Harborough Town FC teammates saw their playoff dreams end in a tense Pitching In Southern Football League Central Division Play-Off Semi-Final against Kettering Town FC at Latimer Park. After a hard-fought 90 minutes and extra time that yielded no goals, the tie was decided by a penalty shootout. Sadly for Burgess and Harborough Town, Kettering Town held their nerve to win 4-3 after a marathon seven kicks apiece. Burgess stepped up to take Harborough's first penalty, but his effort was saved, a moment that ultimately proved crucial in their playoff exit.
Martin's Buxton Bow Out After Extra Time Thriller
Keziah Martin and his Buxton Football Club teammates travelled to the Deva Stadium for their Vanarama National League North play-off semi-final against Chester FC, and it was a close encounter that went all the way to extra time. Despite a battling performance, Buxton ultimately fell to a 2-1 defeat after the additional period, bringing their playoff journey to an end.
Clemons and Felixstowe & Walton United Outfought
Willie Clemons and his Felixstowe & Walton United faced Brightlingsea Regent FC in their Isthmian League North Play Off Semi-Final at the Martello Ground. Unfortunately for Clemons and his teammates, they were unable to secure a place in the final, going down 3-1 to Brightlingsea Regent.
Fishel Absent as Chelsea Lift Title
Elsewhere, Mia Fishel celebrated her birthday but was absent from the Chelsea Women's squad due to illness as her teammates clinched a historic sixth consecutive Women's Super League title. They defeated Manchester United 1-0 in their final game, marking a successful first season under new head coach Sonia Bompastor.
Goater Witnesses Villa Thrashing of Arsenal
Finally, former Bermuda international Shaun Goater, now a striker coach for Aston Villa Women, watched his team put on a stunning display as they defeated title-chasing Arsenal 5-2. It was a significant victory for Aston Villa, extending their winning streak to three games with a dominant five-goal performance in front of their home supporters. The result deals a blow to Arsenal's title aspirations and opens up the race for European football places.
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