Riverside kings – again

BUFFALO Flats-based Riverside were crowned East London Central Premier league champions for the second time in three years at the North End Stadium on Sunday after their only other title rivals Seagulls suffered a surprise 6-5 defeat to a revitalised Atlantic Spurs.

Riverside now have an unassailable five-point lead at the top of the standings with one round of fixtures remaining. The blue and whites become the first club to win the EL Central Premier crown twice in the Association’s five-year existence.

The newly crowned champions were surprisingly held to a 2-2 draw by relegation-threatened Napoli while Star of India guaranteed a top three finish after securing a 3-2 win against Swaraj.

Buffalo City Sports Academy qualified for the 2018 Premier Top 8 after they beat Brothers of Peace 4-2. In the other premier league results Conquerors thumped Prides 5-0 and Parkside United beat Saints 3-2.

This year’s Central Premier and First Division league programme concludes this week at North End. Tomorrow evening Riverside U20 face 2018 Premier Top 8 qualifiers Brothers of Peace U20 at 6.30pm and Diaroma United entertain Real Dukashe at 8pm. On Thursday, Saints host Brothers of Peace at 6.30pm and Conquerors face Atlantic Spurs at 8pm.

The match between Conquerors and Spurs will be significant for both sides but for contrasting reasons. Conquerors will secure their premier status should they collect full points while Spurs will qualify for the 2018 Premier Top 8 should they record a much-needed win.