It's Reno and Benfica! Duo qualify for DPL after solid play-off wins

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

The Western Confederation will once again have two representatives in next season's Digicel Premier League after Reno of Westmoreland defeated Meadows 4-1 in their final round Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Confederation play-off game yesterday at the Spanish Town Prison Oval.

Eastern Confederation champions Benfica secured the other spot after dramatically turning around their play-off campaign, which saw them losing their opening two games before registering their third consecutive victory, a 2-0 triumph over Cavalier at Drax Hall in St Ann.

Benfica's first birth in the top flight was earned late through strikes from Damion Newton and Gregory Tape in the 81st and 90th minutes, respectively.

Avoid defeat

Reno entered their game at the Spanish Town Prison Oval knowing that they needed to avoid defeat to ensure their return to the country's top league after a year in the wilderness.

They were, however, stunned when Meadows took the lead, albeit against the run of play in the 17th minute through Kenroy White. White picked up a ball on the right side before getting off a 25-yard shot, which bettered Reno's custodian Dennis Taylor.

The lead was, however, short-lived as Reno got back on level terms in the 19th minute following Meadows' custodian Damion Herrera's first of three goalkeeping errors. Kenroy Hutchinson got of a looping header from in the area, which Herrera misjudged only to see the ball dip under his crossbar.

Former national representative Evan Taylor gave Reno the lead in the 26th minute when his 30-yards free kick struck a defender in the wall before settling in the back of the net.

The former national champions made it three in the 52nd minute when Troy Reid's cross was mishandled by Herrera allowing Sheldon Bryan to hammer home from point-blank range. Herrera was back at it again in the 60th minute when he failed to collect a pass resulting in it running through his legs. Trimene Perry was on hand to slot home, sparking a mass exodus of Meadows' supporters.

Team quality

Reno finished atop the standings based on goal difference and coach Wendell Downswell believes it indicates the quality of his team.

"I think based on the work we did, the result is a true reflection of the quality of our team as opposed to the others," said Downswell. "We should have gone through unbeaten but these things happen sometimes but, as they say, the hotter the battle, the sweeter the victory," he added.

Christopher Russell, coach of Meadows believes his team was not hungry enough.

"Reno players certainly wanted it more than us and it was clearly evident by the way in which they played, they were quicker to the ball than us. We just gave up," said Russell.