FROME, Westmoreland — Benfica FC of St Ann avenged their 1-0 first-round Premier League play-off defeat against Reno FC of Westmoreland by a similar margin in the return leg at Frome yesterday.

Playing in a stiff southerly wind and brilliant sunshine that was dimmed in the second half by dark clouds, the visitors took a step closer to a spot in next year’s elite contest following a persistent solo effort from Damion James in the 58th minute.

James collected a long pass on the left, midway Reno’s half, survived a strong challenge from Omar Johnson, then another from goalkeeper Dennis Taylor, before regaining control just outside the goal area that was left abandoned. James rolled the ball into the empty goal, sending the small number of Benfica supporters into wild celebration.

Moments earlier, the visitors came close when Sean Henry’s shot from the left lobbed Taylor but rebounded into play from the back post.

Reno dominated possession in the first half and created numerous chances, but the usually reliable Sheldon Bryan, Davion Thorpe and Craig Foster were off target.

By the start of the second stanza, the home team began giving the ball away and losing most fifty-fifty50-50 chances to the hard-running men from the hills of St Ann.

Meanwhile, slick combinations by Gregory Tape, Damion Newton, Lacon Brissett, James and Henry kept the visitors in contention as Omar Dallas, Rondell Morris and Andre Patterson worked overtime in defence for Reno to nullify their accurately dangerous shots on goal, which had Taylor executing some eight saves.

“The team has started to score and we have fixed our defensive problem,” beamed Tyrone Rose, president of Benfica.

“Going forward, we’re not fearing anyone as we plan to finish it on Sunday (at home against Cavalier).”

Ren’s coach Wendell Downswell attributed the loss to “low energy level, and not playing well in the attacking third,” but cautioned, “We’re confident as we have no choice but to win on Sunday (away to Meadows).”