It was a day of high stakes and mixed fortunes for some of Bermuda’s contingent across the English football pyramid. From the tactical battles of the Southern League to a fairytale return in the National League South, the island’s impact was felt far beyond its shores as the festive fixtures took centre stage.
The most anticipated clash of the day saw a true Bermudian showdown at Flannery Stadium, where Willie Clemons and Leiston FC hosted Reggie Lambe’s Needham Market.
In a gritty Southern League Premier Central encounter, it was Lambe who left with the spoils. Despite Leiston’s formidable 14-game unbeaten home record against their rivals, the streak was finally snapped in the 76th minute when Seth Chambers found the net to secure a 1-0 victory for Needham.
The result marks a significant shift in the local hierarchy, leaving Clemons and his teammates to reflect on a rare afternoon of frustration on home soil.
The performance of the day undoubtedly belonged to Kane Crichlow, who made a sensational return to Chelmsford City.
Travelling to face Enfield Town at the Dave Bryant Stadium, Crichlow looked as though he had never been away. In the 50th minute, with Chelmsford already in control, Jason Adigun broke free and unselfishly squared the ball to Crichlow, who composed himself to slot home a cool finish.
The goal punctuated a dominant 4-0 win for the Clarets, signaling that Crichlow’s clinical edge will be a vital asset for the remainder of the National League South campaign.
Elsewhere, Ne-Jai Tucker was thrown straight into the fire for his debut with Workington AFC. Having joined on loan from Southport just days prior, Tucker started in a Northern Premier League battle against Cleethorpes Town. Despite some bright sparks from the creative midfielder, Workington fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat.
It was a similarly tough outing for Ajani Burchall, whose Wimborne Town side hosted local rivals Poole Town in a highly-charged Dorset Derby. Burchall and his teammates were unable to find their rhythm, eventually going down 2-0 at the Wyatt Homes Stadium.
Finally, in the Isthmian League, the Bermudian duo of Coleridge Fubler Jr and Remi Coddington helped Binfield FC earn a hard-fought point against Bedfont Sports. In a match defined by defensive discipline at Hill Farm Lane, the two sides shared the points in a 1-1 draw. As the relentless festive schedule continues, these players will have little time to dwell on results before the New Year’s fixtures begin.
