Trafalgar Southstars wins 2023 Division 1 championships after 1-1 draw with Mantab
Mantab, despite not losing a game all season, failed to get the much-needed win to lift the title and will have to play the ninth-placed Premier League team, Garden Hotspurs, to try and win promotion to the St Kitts and Nevis Football Federation’s top-flight domestic football.
A goalkeeping error led to Trafalgar taking the lead against the run of play; an own goal from Shamar Cannonier in the 67th minute. However, Mantab fought back and won a penalty, which was converted by Sylvester Alexander in the 90th minute.
After the match, Trafalgar Southstars Manager Akins Philips was elated with the win, saying this was a result of hard work and the determination that earned them promotion back to the Premier League.
"This was (the) mission we started out (with) and we had to complete the mission today. We did complete our mission today. We didn't want a draw, we wanted to win, we got the championship and back to the premier league where we really belong," Akins said.
Mantab’s coach Deren Huggins lamented the fact that his side went unbeaten in the season but still failed to win the title.
"Don't even know what to say...fellas went out and tried their best. I think it's just poor communication because that goal is a mistake really. We tried to fight back but in the end, we tried our best,” Huggins said.
“The team feels heartbroken, to be honest. For me personally, I feel sad right now; undefeated and still ain't win the league. The aim was to be undefeated but we were to win (the title).”