Maryland Monarchs 1

Bermuda Hogges 2

Coach Kyle Lightbourne has challenged Bermuda Hogges to keep climbing the table after recording their first away win of the season against rock bottom club Real Maryland Monarchs.

Goals from John Barry Nusum and Kevin Richards secured the Hogges victory on Wednesday night at the Maryland Soccer Plex in a match that had to be suspended twice due to severe lightning.

"It's a massive win for us," said Lightbourne. "We've moved back up the table and we're in striking distance of Wilmington Hammerheads who are just one point ahead of us.

"I was delighted for John to score as he's been unlucky in front of goal this season. We changed our system to a 3-5-2 with Damon Ming and John going through the middle.

"Damon had a fantastic game and caused them all sorts of problems with his pace. "

The Hogges, who had been on a poor run of form, took a third-minute lead through striker Nusum who opened his account for the season with a powerful strike from distance.

After an hour's delay play resumed with the Monarchs drawing level on 40 minutes when Nilson Perez's shot from inside the area took a deflection.

Another delay then ensued before play continued and on 70 minutes wing-back Kevin Richards beat the offside trap and slotted past the goalkeeper. The final whistle was blown after just 75 minutes as the floodlights had to be switched off. The game eventually finished at 12.40 a.m.

The Hogges face high-flying Cleveland City Stars at the Krenzler Stadium on Saturday.

"Cleveland are a tough team and it's certainly going to be a difficult match for us," said Lightbourne. "We just need to pick up as many points as we can between now and the end of the season."

* On Wednesday night Bermuda Under-20s drew their opening game of the World Cup qualifiers against Cayman Islands 0-0. They play group favourites Jamaica today in Cayman.