With three matches left in the campaign X-Roads Warriors saw their chances of avoiding relegation increase, after they were awarded all three points from their abandoned Premier Division match against hosts Southampton Rangers at Southampton Oval on January 30.

The visitors were leading 4-1 with 15 minutes remaining in the contest when the match was brought to a halt following a walk-off by the teams which was triggered by Rangers player Dion Stovell having a goal disallowed.

The Bermuda Football Association today confirmed that its competition committee has ruled that the score will remain as final and X-Roads awarded three points, which will certainly be welcomed news to them as they battle to avoid the drop.

In reply to The Royal Gazette’s request for an update on the matter, the BFA stated: “The BFA Competitions Committee with regards to the outcome of the match between Southampton Rangers vs X-Roads Warriors FC, which was abandoned on Sunday, January 30, 2022.

“The Committee has ruled in accordance with the General Rules for Divisional Competitions Article 2 (p) (i) which states:

(p) (i): In all cases where the Committee is satisfied that a game has been abandoned owing to the conduct of one team or membership organisation or its/their members, fans, or any spectators attending the match they shall award the points and a score of 3-0 for the game to its opponents and take what other action they may deem necessary. If the offending team is losing by a score that is greater than 3-0 at the time of the abandonment, the Committee shall record the score at the time of abandonment.

“In this regard, the Committee has ruled this match is classified as an abandonment and that the match which was 4 -1 in favour of X-Roads WFC at the time of the abandonment shall be recorded as the final score. Three (3) points are to be awarded to X-Roads WFC.”

Today’s announcement follows on the heels of X-Roads’ narrow 1-0 win over St George’s Colts at the weekend that kept their survival hopes alive.

“Every game we are in is a must-win situation from here on out,” Komeini Talbot, the X-Roads coach commented after his team’s latest victory.

While they remain in the relegation zone in ninth position, the development moves X-Roads up to 13 points, three less that Devonshire Colts, who have played one less game and are a place above them in safety.

The two will face each other on March 27 at Police Field in what will be a crucial battle for Premier Division survival for both teams.