The Bahamas secured a vital 3-1 victory over the US Virgin Islands (UVI) in their CONCACAF Nations League B encounter last night, with Brandon Adderley delivering a match-winning brace at the Wildey Turf, St. Michael.
The 22-year-old forward opened the scoring in the 13th minute, directing an unmarked header home from a Peter Julmis cross. Adderley further profited from some hospitable UVI defending ten minutes later when he cushioned down a long ball into his stride and rolled it into the far corner beyond a helpless Whelan Joseph in goal.
By this point, the US Virgin Islands were reeling, having conceded seven goals on their trip to Barbados in just 113 minutes of football. There would be no let-up from the Bahamas, though, as wide forward Omari Bain added insult to injury when he cut inside from the left channel and rifled a shot into the far corner to make it 3-0.
With the points all but assured, the side in ascendancy adopted a more measured approach. With nothing to lose, UVI pushed bodies forward in an attempt to window-dress the scoreline.
The plan threatened not to bear fruit when three big chances went begging. However, the visitors from UVI left Barbados with something tangible when substitute Hasani Edgar scored a consolation goal from a corner in the 69th minute, just three minutes after coming on.
This victory was the Bahamas’ first in this year’s CONCACAF Nations League B campaign and puts them on four points from their three games. Up next is a massive clash on Tuesday against the unbeaten Barbados team, who are seeking a perfect campaign to further their CONCACAF Play-In chances. A big win would see them face the worst-placed CONCACAF Nations League A side for a chance to qualify for the Gold Cup. (JC)
