By: Augustus Auggie Audekina-Doe

The 2015/16 LFA Cellcom National Second Division League began yesterday at two venues across the country with Gardnersville FC pulling a surprise 2-1 away to the 2014/15 LFA Cup Champions and the 2015/16 LFA Super Cup Champions BYC II at the Blue Field. The double champs started the match in a classical style, but succumbed to Gardnersville FC in the dying minutes of the second half.

BYC II took the lead following perfect ball coordination coupled with immense pressure mounted from the left and right flings of the artificial pitch before Terry Sackor scored from Wesseh Dennis’ through pass in the 30th minute.

Gardnersville FC almost responded with an equalizer in the 36th minute but Siebo Toe‘s left-footed shot was smartly saved by goalkeeper Alpha Jalloh to take BYC II into the break leading 1-0.

Being a goal down at half-time, Gardnersville FC returned for the second half with more urgency and they were handed an opportunity when BYC II were reduced to 10 men in the 58th minute.

The BYC II’s defense was  stubborn but Gardnersville FC were able to penetrate with two goals in the last 10 minutes with substitutes Junior Banneyco scoring in the 80th minute and Obediah Freeman scoring the winner in the 88th minute to seal the 2-1 victory for their side.

In the other second division match played at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium, Aries FC narrowly defeated newly promoted second division side Bendu FC 3-2 to climb on top of the Second Division table for now as the Jubilee FC vs. Fair Play FC’s match was postponed while the other newly promoted second division side Sidina FC will host New Hope FC on Sunday at 4:00 PM in Sanniquellie, Nimba County to end Week 1.

Mighty Barrolle have a bye in Week 1.