In a gripping encounter at Plaisance, Guyana, Beterverwagting Triumph Football Club faced off against Buxton Stars FC on 11 April 2025, with the match concluding in a dramatic 2-2 at full-time and 8-7 defeat for the home side after a penalty shootout. The match, which kicked off at 9:30 PM, saw both teams display remarkable tenacity, culminating in a nail-biting finish that will be remembered by fans for years to come.
Beterverwagting Triumph lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flair. Raheim McGregor took his position in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Emmanuel Washington and Kwesi Tumbler as right and left defenders, respectively, with Roydon Chapman and Markel Matheson occupying the central defensive roles. In midfield, Quincy Junior and Steveden Miller operated on the right and left flanks, while Joel Sealey held the central position. Up front, Diquan Ferguson and Tony Ogle flanked striker Gary Junior, who was tasked with leading the line and converting chances into goals.
The substitutes for Beterverwagting Triumph included Tyrell Walcott, Akim Curry, Quason Price, Marcus Havercome, and Tamol Glasgow, who would later play pivotal roles in the match.
The match began with Buxton Stars FC taking an early lead in the 18th minute, as they capitalised on a defensive lapse to score from close range with a right-footed effort. The visitors doubled their advantage just nine minutes later when they were awarded a penalty, which they converted with precision, leaving Beterverwagting Triumph trailing 2-0.
In a tactical reshuffle, Beterverwagting Triumph made three substitutions just before half-time, bringing on Tyrell Walcott for the injured Kwesi Tumbler, Akim Curry for Quincy Junior, and Quason Price for Emmanuel Washington. This change aimed to inject fresh energy into the team as they sought to claw back the deficit.
As the second half commenced, Beterverwagting Triumph came out with renewed vigour. Just after the break, Steveden Miller found the net in the 46th minute, scoring from a free kick and giving the home side a glimmer of hope. The momentum shifted further when Steveden Miller scored a stunning direct free kick in the 56th minute, bringing the score to 2-2 and igniting the home crowd.
However, the match took another twist when Buxton Stars FC were awarded a penalty in the 85th minute, which they converted to regain the lead. In a frantic finale, both teams exchanged penalties, with Beterverwagting Triumph's Raheim McGregor missing his attempt, saved by the opposing goalkeeper. The tension escalated as Buxton Stars FC scored yet another penalty, pushing the score to 8-7 in their favour.
Despite the heartache of the missed opportunities, Beterverwagting Triumph showed remarkable resilience, with Diquan Ferguson, Tamol Glasgow, and Tyrell Walcott all converting their penalties. However, the visitors' consistent scoring proved decisive, and they ultimately triumphed in the shootout.
The match concluded with a final score of 9-10 after penalties, leaving Beterverwagting Triumph to reflect on a valiant effort that fell just short in a thrilling cup tie. Steveden Miller's standout performance earned him the accolade of Player of the Match, highlighting his crucial contributions throughout the encounter.
