Friendship Trophy Preview - Hornets & Rams in Showpiece
IslandStats.com
One of the most storied rivalries in Bermudian knockout football takes center stage at Wellington Oval this New Year's Day as defending champions Dandy Town Hornets prepare to defend their Friendship Trophy crown against a resurgent North Village Rams.
For the Hornets, the fixture represents a chance to cement their dominance following a clinical 3-0 Semi-Final victory over Devonshire Cougars on Boxing Day.
However, history suggests a formidable psychological hurdle awaits them; in the three previous Friendship Trophy final meetings between these sides, the Rams have emerged victorious with a 4 - 2 victory in 2001, and identical 2-1 scorelines in both the 1996/97 and 2005/06 seasons.
The Hornets will likely rely on their 4-2-3-1 formation, spearheaded by the in-form Dante Leverock and David Jones, both of whom found the net in their last outing. They enter the match with the momentum of being the reigning holders, having already laid down a marker earlier this season with a 2-1 victory over Village to lift the Charity Cup.
The North Village Rams arrive at Wellington Oval looking to add to their rich cup-winning legacy and break the Hornets' grip on the trophy. Under the guidance of coach "Cal Patches Dill," the Rams have shown they can perform under pressure, notably edging past St. George's Colts earlier in the competition.
With a squad boasting the clinical finishing of players like Jonté Smith, who secured their place in the final with a Semi-Final winner, Village will be confident of repeating their historic final triumphs over Town.
As the island’s football fraternity descends on St. George’s for the 2:00 PM kickoff, the stage is set for a New Year's Day classic that will determine if the trophy stays in Pembroke or moves back to Bernard Park.
Sunday, December 28, 2025
Shield Semi-Final Preview - Eagles & Hood Set for Showdown
IslandStats.com
The First Division's elite are set to descend upon Wellington Oval this New Year’s Day for a Shield Final that promises to be a tactical masterclass. Somerset Eagles and Robin Hood—two sides with a deep history in Bermudian football—will battle for the first silverware of 2026 in what is widely considered the hallmark event of the festive sporting calendar.
The Somerset Eagles arrived at the final on the back of a sensational individual performance from Rushaine Murphy.
In their semi-final clash against Wolves at Somerset Cricket Club, the Eagles found themselves in an early hole following a 14th-minute own goal. However, Murphy single-handedly turned the tide, netting a magnificent hat-trick with his feet and head to secure a 3–1 comeback victory.
Robin Hood’s path to the final was a marathon of mental and physical endurance.
Facing off against league leaders Somerset Trojans at a "cold and blustery" PHC Stadium, Hood battled through 120 minutes of scoreless football. When the deadlock couldn't be broken in extra time, Hood’s veterans stepped up in the ensuing penalty shootout. Xahvi DeRosa, Sebastian Madeiros, Keishen Bean, and James Cooper all converted from the spot with "clinical ease" to secure a 4–1 victory.
Hood enters the final as a team in peak form, having recently dismantled Vasco da Gama 11–0 in the Quarter-Finals. With prolific scorers like Keishen Bean and a disciplined midfield under the leadership of coach Sergio Goater.
Saturday, December 27, 2025
Rams & Hood Battle to Reach New Year's Day Finals
IslandStats.com
A cold and blustery PHC Stadium played host to a marathon night of football as the final spots for Bermuda's prestigious New Year’s Day showpiece were decided.
On an evening where the elements threatened to steal the headlines, it was the clinical precision from the penalty spot and a solitary second-half strike that ensured North Village Rams and Robin Hood would advance to the hallmark finals at the Wellington Oval.
Shield Semi-Final
Somerset Trojans 0 (1) Robin Hood 0 (4)
The Shield semi-final provided a grueling war of attrition between the First Division’s top two sides, Somerset Trojans and Robin Hood.
Despite 90 minutes of high-intensity action followed by 30 minutes of extra time, neither side could find the decisive breakthrough in a scoreless marathon.
The deadlock forced a dramatic penalty shootout to determine who would meet Somerset Eagles in the final.
Robin Hood’s composure eventually shone through under the floodlights, with Xahvi DeRosa, Sebastian Madeiros, Keishen Bean, and James Cooper all converting their spot-kicks with clinical ease. Jaellan Greaves managed the lone successful effort for the Trojans, as Hood emerged 4–1 victors from the spot to keep their trophy hunt alive.
Friendship Semi-Final
North Village Rams 1 Devonshire Colts 0
The subsequent Friendship Trophy Semi-Final was a similarly cagey affair, as North Village Rams faced off against Devonshire Colts.
Following a back-and-forth opening 45 minutes that saw both teams struggle to adapt to the swirling winds, the match remained balanced at 0–0 at the interval.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 56th minute when Jonté Smith reacted quickest to find the back of the net, much to the delight of the Rams faithful.
The goal proved to be the winner, as Village’s defensive unit held firm to secure a 1–0 result. The win sets the stage for a heavyweight New Year’s Day final against defending champions Dandy Town Hornets, as the Rams look to reclaim one of the island's most coveted trophies.
Saturday, December 27, 2025
Breakthroughs for Bermuda’s Best in the UK
IslandStats.com
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.
Saturday, December 27, 2025
Thompson "Mental Strength" Fueling for Club & Country
IslandStats.com
Bermuda international Kenni Thompson has reflected on a whirlwind period of success, praising the "effort and hard work" that has seen her excel on both the international stage and in the English domestic leagues. In a season defined by historic milestones, the winger has been a focal point for a Bermuda side chasing World Cup qualification and an AFC Bournemouth team taking the third tier by storm.
Bermuda’s senior women's team recently concluded a high-stakes double-header in their CONCACAF W Qualifiers campaign, showing flashes of brilliance that Thompson believes signal a bright future.
Bermuda opened with a clinical 4-0 victory over the Cayman Islands, a match Thompson described as being under their control "from start to finish". Thompson herself was instrumental in the rout, scoring in the 13th minute and providing a key assist for Jaden Masters.
The momentum faced a stern test days later in Guatemala City. Despite a 4-1 defeat—hampered by an early injury to goalkeeper Taya Rodrigues—Thompson took immense pride in the team’s resilience.
"Even though we didn't get the result we wanted, we were able to walk away with our heads held high," Thompson said of the battle against Guatemala. "How we conducted ourselves and kept going through the game was really good".
Thompson's influence was again undeniable, as she provided the cross for captain Eva Frazzoni to score Bermuda’s lone goal.
Back in England, Thompson has been equally impactful for AFC Bournemouth Women. After a "double-winning" 2024/25 campaign where they clinched promotion and the National League Plate, the Cherries have made an seamless transition to the FA Women's National League Southern Premier Division.
While critics might have expected a newly promoted side to struggle with the "step up" in competition, Thompson credited the team's relentless mentality for their current position at the top of the league during the Christmas break.
The Mentality: Thompson noted that even while playing in the fourth division, the squad maintained the belief that they had to be better than their current level.
Overachieving: This internal drive has led the team to "overachieve" in their first season in the third tier.
The Break: With the season at its halfway point, Thompson emphasized the importance of rest and recovery before returning to the second half of the campaign with a renewed focus on "working hard and improving".
As Thompson prepares for a massive 2026, her dual success stands as a testament to the growing strength of Bermudian football on the global stage.
