COUVA, Trinidad (July 23, 2026)—St John’s Sports Club opened the 2026 CFU Club Shield with a 3-1 win over Dublanc FC at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday. The result ended the Dominican club’s campaign and sent the Grenadians to the next round.

The opening 40 minutes offered little attacking threat from either side, but the match quickly came to life as the first half entered its final stages.

St John’s broke the deadlock in the 41st minute when a long throw troubled the Dublanc defense. Goalkeeper Jaheem Cuffy’s ineffective effort fell to Alex Williams, who made no mistake, smashing a right-footed volley from within the penalty box into the top-left corner of the net to put St John’s ahead.

Dublanc had an immediate opportunity to level when they were awarded a penalty, with Audel Laville having won the spot kick. However, Laville was unable to convert, as St John’s goalkeeper Shauille Charles made the crucial save to keep his side in front.

Moments later, the drama continued at the other end when Laville committed an infringement, conceding a penalty. Shermine Williams stepped up for St John’s and confidently converted, doubling the advantage.

Laville, however, would soon have the chance to make amends.

Deep into first-half stoppage time, the Dublanc forward found the back of the net with a well-placed shot into the corner after being played through by his captain, Briel Thomas. The goal gave Dublanc renewed hope as they entered the interval trailing 2-1.

That hope was short-lived.

Eight minutes into the second half, St John’s captain Shevon Sampson restored his side's two-goal advantage with a composed lofted finish over the advancing Cuffy, making it 3-1.

Dublanc was unable to produce another response, with St John’s seeing out the remainder of the match to secure a comfortable victory and advance in the competition.

For Dublanc, the defeat brings their 2026 CFU Club Shield campaign to a close. Their missed penalty and inability to build on Laville's first-half goal proved costly, as St John’s capitalized on their opportunities when it mattered most.

St John’s now turn their attention to their next challenge, with a meeting against Inter Willemstad, the 2025–26 Premier Division Champions of Curaçao, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on July 26th.