ANTIGUA and Barbuda have qualified for the next round of the Caribbean Cup thanks to crucial goals from Cirencester Town striker Nat Jarvis.

The ‘Benna Boys’ as they are known had an unblemished record in their three group matches with victories over whipping boys Anguilla (6-0), the Dominican Republic (2-1) and St Vincent and the Grenadines (2-1).

Jarvis, 22, was used from the bench in all three matches and scored the winner as Antigua came from behind in the final two tightly-contested matches, one of the goals coming in stoppage time.

Jarvis had found himself out of favour with parent club Gloucester City and came on loan to Ciren at the start of the season. He made an immediate impact scoring four goals in six games before heading to Antigua as an uncapped player.

Antigua, who were boosted by the inclusion of eight overseas players during the international break, will join 15 other teams in the second round of the Caribbean Cup which takes place next month (October 6-14) when they face St Lucia, the Dominican Republic (again) and the huge game against hosts Trinidad and Tobago.

The top six teams will then head for the finals on November 9-18 when they are joined in the competition by defending champions Cuba and seeded hosts Jamaica.

"We are certainly looking forward to having Nat back for the FA Cup tie at Shortwood on Saturday, as we have missed his goals," said boss Brian Hughes.

"We have played well in the three draws against top teams during his absence but the only time we scored was from an own goal.

"The Shortwood game is our biggest of the season so far. Obviously we are not going to win the FA Cup – it's all about going as far as we can in the competition to make as much money as possible for the club."

Jarvis already has an FA Cup goal on his CV, having scored for Cardiff City in their shock third round defeat to Macclesfield last January.

Cirencester Town defender Mark Pritchett was part of the Shortwood team which enjoyed a celebrated and money-spinning FA Cup run last season.

They played six ties, including a replay, to earn an ITV-televised First Round Proper clash against Port Vale when the 4-0 scoreline flattered their League One rivals.

Shortwood have already established their FA Cup credentials in 2014 with a 6-1 away thrashing of Shrivenham.