Needham Market continued their pre-season preparations with a solid 3-1 victory over Step 5 side Ipswich Wanderers, featuring Bermudian international Reggie Lambe, in a match that saw two goals from Joe Neal and a penalty from Luke Ingram.
The game at Ipswich Wanderers' ground got off to a frantic start, with the hosts taking a shock lead after just 56 seconds. A right-wing corner found its way into the box and was powerfully headed into the roof of the net, giving Wanderers an early advantage.
However, Needham Market's response was swift. Just four minutes later, they were awarded a penalty after Luke Ingram expertly chipped a ball through to Kyle Hammond, who was then brought down in the box. Ingram stepped up confidently to convert the spot-kick, smashing it home into the bottom left-hand corner to draw his side level.
Joe Neal then put Needham Market in front on 21 minutes with a well-taken finish. The forward latched onto a well-placed ball over the top, expertly beating the offside trap before chipping the onrushing Brand from outside the box into the top of the net, making it 2-1.
Two minutes later, Needham extended their lead further with some excellent link-up play. Jake Dye's right-wing throw-in found Ingram, who drove to the byline before delivering a driven cross. Neal demonstrated superb control before smashing the ball home from close range into the bottom near corner, securing his fourth goal in just two pre-season games.
The result marks another positive step in Needham Market's pre-season campaign as they build towards the new season, with Reggie Lambe and his teammates continuing to gel.
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Why Transparency on Player Releases Could Ignite A Buzz
IslandStats.com
As the football season transitions, the period of player releases and transfers often generates a quiet hum of speculation within Bermuda's football circles. Clubs are making strategic decisions, and players are seeking new opportunities. But what if the Bermuda Football Association (BFA) took a leaf out of larger leagues' playbooks and formally announced players who have secured releases from their clubs? It's a move that could significantly amplify excitement and spark much-needed chatter around the local game.
Currently, information about players seeking new pastures often trickles out through individual club announcements, social media whispers, or word of mouth. While this creates a certain level of insider knowledge, it arguably misses a trick in engaging the wider football public. Imagine the anticipation if, at the close of the official release window, the BFA published a consolidated list of players now free agents.
Such a simple administrative step could transform the landscape of the local transfer market. Fans would immediately gain a clearer picture of available talent, leading to widespread speculation: "Where will that prolific striker end up?" "Which First Division side will snap up that experienced Premier Division defender?" This kind of open discussion is the lifeblood of football fandom, driving engagement beyond match days.
Major leagues globally, including the English Premier League, routinely release lists of players departing clubs at the end of their contracts. This transparency fuels transfer talk shows, online forums, and newspaper columns for weeks, keeping the sport firmly in the public consciousness even during the off-season. While the scale is vastly different, the principle remains the same: information generates interest.
For the BFA, providing this clarity would not only be a gesture of transparency but also a strategic move to elevate the profile of the domestic game. It would empower clubs by making the pool of available talent more visible, and it would give players a clearer platform for their next move. Most importantly, it would inject a fresh wave of excitement into Bermudian football, turning the quiet hum of the transfer window into a vibrant, island-wide conversation about who's going where and what it means for the upcoming season. It's a small change with potentially significant returns for the sport's visibility and appeal.
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Crichlow & Wells Score in Friendlies
IslandStats.com
Two Bermuda Internationals turned out for their teams in Pre-Season Friendlies, with both Kane Crichlow, and Nahki Wells finding the back of the net.
Kane Crichlow's Late Strike Seals Pre-Season Victory
Bermudian international Kane Crichlow made an immediate impact for Sutton United, scoring the decisive goal in their 1-0 victory over Wycombe Wanderers in their opening pre-season friendly. The late strike not only secured the win but also earned Crichlow the Man of the Match award, providing a strong start to his campaign.
The match remained a tight, scoreless affair for much of the ninety minutes, with both teams battling to find their rhythm in the early stages of their pre-season preparations. However, with just three minutes remaining in regular time, a well-constructed attacking move by Sutton United broke the deadlock.
A precise build-up saw the ball delivered into the path of Kane Crichlow, who demonstrated composure and clinical finishing. The Bermudian found the corner of the net with his effort, opening the scoring in the 87th minute and sending the home supporters into celebration.
Crichlow's late goal proved to be the lone difference between the two sides, securing Sutton United a valuable win in their first warm-up fixture. His match-winning contribution was duly recognised, as he was awarded the Man of the Match accolade for his pivotal role. This performance will undoubtedly provide a significant boost for Crichlow and his teammates as they continue their preparations for the upcoming season.
Nahki Wells on Target as Luton Down Colchester in Friendly
Luton Town secured a comfortable 4-1 aggregate victory over Colchester United in a behind-closed-doors friendly at The Brache on Tuesday afternoon, with Bermudian international Nahki Wells finding the net for the Hatters.
The friendly was structured as two 60-minute matches, allowing both sides to field different line-ups and maximise playing time for their squads. Luton emerged victorious in the first encounter with a 2-0 scoreline, before clinching the second match 2-1.
It was in the second game that the action truly unfolded for Wells. Colchester initially took the lead from the penalty spot, but Luton's response was swift and decisive. Youngster Zack Nelson, driving purposefully into the box, unselfishly set up Wells for a straightforward first-time finish, levelling the scores.
Wells continued to be a prominent figure, later clipping a shot against the crossbar after another incisive run and pass from Nelson. Just ten minutes later, Luton extended their lead further when Milli Alli's powerful drive from the edge of the box took a deflection and found the back of the net, making it 2-1 in that specific match, and 4-1 overall.
Alli, eager for a second, was denied just before half-time by a smart save from the Colchester goalkeeper, having been played through by a well-weighted pass from Wells.
In the final 30 minutes, Luton maintained their attacking impetus, pressing for more goals. Alfie Doughty saw a free-kick well saved, while both Wells and Alli were thwarted in the closing stages as they sought to add to the scoreline.
This valuable pre-season run-out will provide manager Rob Edwards with plenty to ponder as Luton continue their preparations.
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Alicia Zuill Knockout Cup Draw Reveals Semi-Final Clash
IslandStats.com
The Bermuda Football Association (BFA) hosted the highly anticipated draw for the Alicia Zuill Knockout Cup, setting the stage for an exciting path to the final. The draw, conducted by BFA President Mark Wade, saw three prominent women's teams enter the bowl, eager to discover their fate in the prestigious competition.
In a concise but significant event, President Wade oversaw the proceedings, with representatives from Dandy Stars, Somerset Lady Trojans, and the PHC Lady Zebras keenly observing. The draw unfolded as follows:
Alicia Zuill Knockout Cup Draw PHC Lady Zebras are Team 1 Somerset Lady Trojans are Team 2 Dandy Stars are Team 3
The schedule sees the PHC Lady Zebras taking on the Somerset Lady Trojans July 26th, and then July 29th the Dandy Stars will face off against the PHC Lady Zebras, followed by the Somerset Lady Trojans and Dandy Stars on August 5th.
Following the three matches the top two teams will advance to the final.
The Alicia Zuill Knockout Cup is a significant fixture in the Bermudian women's football calendar, celebrating talent and competitive spirit. Fans across the island will now be eagerly anticipating the fixtures, with dates expected to be announced by the BFA in due course.
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Robin Hood FC Make Ambitious Eleven New Signings
IslandStats.com
Robin Hood FC, a prominent side in Bermuda's First Division, have made a significant statement of intent ahead of the 2025-2026 season, announcing a remarkable total of eleven new signings. The ambitious recruitment drive sees the club bolster its squad with a mix of experienced Premier Division talent and promising players from within their own division, signalling a clear aim for promotion.
Among the most eye-catching acquisitions are four players making the move down from the Premier Division, a clear coup for the green and white. These include:
Tariq Bean, joining from the PHC Zebras. Tre Manders and Trey Durham, both making the switch from the North Village Rams. David Signor, arriving from the St. George’s Colts.
Their decision to drop down a division suggests a belief in Robin Hood's project and adds considerable quality and top-flight experience to the squad.
In addition to these high-profile arrivals, Robin Hood have also secured the signatures of seven players from teams within the First Division, further strengthening their ranks. These new additions are:
Noldre Brown from X-Road’s. Aidan Peets and Tahjae Welch from Hamilton Parish. Keishen Bean from St. David’s. Matthew Troake and Nathan Maderios from Vasco. Najee Edwards from the Somerset Trojans.
This substantial influx of new talent indicates Robin Hood FC's serious ambition for the upcoming season. With a blend of proven Premier Division quality and strengthened depth from within the First Division, the club appears to be building a squad well-equipped to challenge for promotion and make a significant impact in the 2025-2026 campaign. Fans will be eager to see how these new faces integrate and perform as the season approaches.
