St. Joseph’s FC lifted their first trophy of the season in a hard-fought Pepe Reyes Memorial Cup match against last season’s league champions Lincoln Red Imps. The match at Victoria Stadium was marred by the lack of a television rights agreement due to disagreements between the clubs, meaning that few spectators were present to enjoy the match at 9pm kick-off on Sunday.
St. Joseph’s, who beat the Lincoln Red Imps in their first two meetings last season, were looking to repeat the feat. They took the lead in the 42nd minute through Sanchez Lopez and it looked like the Blues would hold on to their advantage until half-time. But the Lincoln Red Imps, who fielded a much-changed side to the one that played against Dinamo Minsk last Thursday, equalised in the 45th minute through the ever-present Ethan Britto.
At half time the Lincoln Red Imps brought on new signing Pozo, who made his debut for the club. With a crucial Conference League play-off game against Larne on Thursday, where they play their home game in Faro, Lincoln were put to the test by a strong St Joseph’s side. St Joseph’s were keen to show that they are serious contenders for the league title again this season.
Although there were chances at both ends and Tjay De Barr almost broke the deadlock, he was denied by Banda, who made a fine save to deny his Gibraltar international teammate, but the match ended in a draw.
A penalty shootout was needed to determine this year’s winner. After both teams converted the first three penalties, a missed shot on the last two of the first five penalties forced the shootout to sudden death, with Paul Curado scoring the decisive moment to secure St. Joseph’s first trophy of the season.
Lincoln Red Imps now turn their attention to their third game in seven days as they prepare for their Conference League play-off against Larne. Having rested several key players this weekend, Javi Munoz’s side will be eager to return to the group stages of the competition following an early exit last season. Larne, who lost 1-0 on aggregate to St Joseph’s in the 2022 Conference League, will also play their home game away from their usual stadium. They will have the added benefit of Lincoln being forced to play in Portugal due to current license restrictions on games beyond the third round in Gibraltar, meaning Lincoln Red Imps will play both games away from their home crowd.

Photos by Christian Correa / C Correa Photography