Reno clip Village in western derby

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Reno FC, winless in the second round of the 2010-11 Digicel Premier League prior to Sunday's 4-1 against Benfica, made it back-to-back wins on Wednesday night when they clipped Village United 1-0 in their western derby at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay.

By virtue of their win, the Michael Graham-coached Reno, who entered the game tied on 18 points with their western counterparts, have moved up to 21 points while Village United remain on 18 points, just above the relegation zone.

"Although we won the game, I still believe we should have done better based on the amount of possession we enjoyed," said coach Graham, in analysing the performance of the Reno team. "In midfield and defence we were quite solid, and we are quite pleased with that aspect of our game."

It was a most disappointing result for the Village United and their Brazilian coach Nedier Dos Santos, who were on a high after Sunday's giant-killing act, when they surprised champions Harbour View at their east Kingston base, clipping them 1-0.

"I did not like our performance today ... we had good individual performances but we did not play well as a unit," said Dos Santos. "While Reno were playing a good game physically, we played a horrible passing game."

Reno just missed getting off to a fairy-tale start inside the first minute, when Craig Foster broke free before the goal but cracked his shot inches over the crossbar with Village United's custodian seemingly surprised by the early attack. Two minutes later, Reno again came close when skipper O'Brian Woodbine curled a shot just wide of the goal.

Second attempt

Village created their first opportunity in the 23rd minute when Lance Laing's fabulous free kick bubbled out of the hands of goalkeeper Dennis Taylor but was safely collected on the second attempt.

With Reno clearly having the better of the exchanges, they predictably took the lead in the 26th minute. Lanky striker Shashamarley Barrett took a neat pass from Troy Reid and, after initially fumbling, fired past goalkeeper Elvis Hart, making the half-time score 1-0.

Village missed a glorious chance to draw level a minute into the second half when Shavar Campbell pounced on a cross before the Reno goal but miskicked, with the goalkeeper at his mercy. Another chance was missed in the 49th minute when Dino Williams cracked a close-range shot over the crossbar.

Midway the half, Reno regained control with skipper Woodbine and Reid driving the action from midfield, unsettling the Village defence with the accurate passes upfront to Barrett and Foster.

The wily Reid just missed getting himself on the scoresheet in the 67th minute. After a spirited dribble, he fired a superb shot, which shaved the crossbar as it flew over the top with the Village custodian looking back anxiously.

Reno got another good chance in the 77th minute when substitute Jahshane Foster shook up goalkeeper Hart with a a long-range effort which crashed into his chest and rebounded into play.

The Reno team ended the game on a high when, on the stroke of full time, Reid unleashed a spectacular volley, which flew perilously close to the top right-hand corner of the goal.