BRIGHTON – Sparta FC delivered a composed and clinical performance to edge past Richmond Hill 2-1 in an intense Tier 2 Division clash at the Brighton Technical Center on Sunday. Goals from Ronaldo John and Cameron Strough sealed the win for Sparta, while Richmond Hill’s Torquil Culzac provided a glimmer of hope for the visitors.
With only 50 spectators in attendance, the atmosphere may have been subdued, but the action on the field was anything but. Sparta FC wasted no time asserting dominance, opening the scoring in the 4th minute through Ronaldo John, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot home coolly.
Despite the early setback, Richmond Hill regrouped and pressed forward. Their efforts paid off in the 36th minute when Torquil Culzac found the net, leveling the game with a well-placed strike that left Sparta’s goalkeeper with no chance.
But just as Richmond Hill thought they had momentum on their side, Cameron Strough had other plans. The Sparta midfielder turned the tide in the dying minutes of the first half, first scoring in the 41st minute before striking again just before halftime (44’), sending his side into the break with a 2-1 lead.
The second half saw Richmond Hill pushing for an equalizer, but Sparta’s defense, led by Meshach Dublin and Kareem Harry, held firm. Both teams made strategic substitutions, with Cody Delecia, Jemaine Ballantyne, and Tyson Dalzell coming on for Sparta to add fresh legs. Richmond Hill responded by bringing in Lemron Mason, Daniel Delpesche, and Johnathan Ash to inject energy into their attack.
Despite several late chances, Richmond Hill couldn’t break through. The final whistle confirmed Sparta FC’s second win of the season, propelling them up the standings while Richmond Hill was left to rue missed opportunities.
With this victory, Sparta FC builds momentum heading into their next fixture, while Richmond Hill will look to bounce back and keep their promotion hopes alive.
Match Summary
Goals:
Sparta FC: Ronaldo John (4’), Cameron Strough (41’, 44’)
Richmond Hill: Torquil Culzac (36’)
Key Substitutions:
Sparta FC: Cody Delecia (61’), Jemaine Ballantyne (68’), Tyson Dalzell (69’)
Richmond Hill: Lemron Mason (71’), Daniel Delpesche (74’), Johnathan Ash (79’)
Yellow Cards/Red Cards: None
Sparta FC now shifts focus to Matchday 9, while Richmond Hill will aim for a turnaround in their next outing.