Reno, Benfica qualify for top flight football

Westmoreland-based Reno and Benfica of St Ann have gained promotions to next season’s Digicel Premier League following yesterday’s final round of the Jamaica Football Federation’s All-Island Confederation Playoffs.



Both teams entered the final round in joint second place on seven points, one behind leaders Cavalier, who only need a draw to advance.



However, Reno came from a goal down to beat Meadows 4-1 at Prison Oval in St Catherine to qualify, while Benfica carved out a 2-0 victory over Cavalier, the Kingston and St Andrew Confed champions, to book their spot.



Reno and Benfica ended the playoffs with 10 points each, three ahead of Cavalier with seven and St Catherine-based Meadows at the bottom of the table on five.



Kenroy Hutchinson, Evan Taylor, Sheldon Bryan and Trimene Perry scored for Reno, who made a speedy return to top flight football after being relegated in the 2008 to 2009 season.



Kenroy White had given Meadows the lead in the 17th minute.



Benfica’s qualification represents the first time in 18 years that St Ann will have a representative in the top league.