Maverley/Hughenden FC booked the final Red Stripe Premier League qualification spot after playing out a 1-1 scoreline against unbeaten Jamalco FC in the Jamaica Football Federation Charley’s JB Rum Play-off encounter, at Wembley Centre of Excellence in Clarendon yesterday.

Erron Brown gave Jamalco the lead in the seventh minute, but Omari Edwards pulled one back for Maverley/Hughenden in the 10th minute.

With the point, the already qualified Jamalco FC finished atop the four-team standing with 16 points, while Maverley/Hughenden ended with nine points.

Brazil FC (eight points) were left behind the curtains in third, despite whipping Granville United 4-1 in the other fixture at Drax Hall in St Ann.

Granville finished at the bottom without a point from six games.

In Clarendon, patrons turned out in their numbers in anticipation of an entertaining encounter with both teams having something to play for.

Maverley/Hughenden, the KSAFA champions, entered the contest requiring only a point to realise their dream of playing in the upcoming season of the nation’s top-flight league.

For Jamalco, it was a matter of keeping their perfect record intact.

After a tentative start by both teams, the game quickly came to life when Brown sent the hosts in front with a well- converted free kick from 20 yards out.

Maverley/Hughenden launched a series of dangerous attacks immediately after, and were back on level terms in short order.

Edwards rose above two defenders and headed into an empty net from the edge of the 18 yard box, after custodian Andre Thomas needlessly left his line.

The momentum stayed with the Corporate Area team as they dictated the pace of the game with some attractive football in patches.

In doing so, they created a number of chances, but were thwarted by faulty shooting as the score remained unchanged at the break.

There was very little to talk about after the resumption as the contest lost its competitiveness. However, there was danger of it turning into a boxing match as tempers flared.

As the game progressed, news came that Brazil were in front, which caused a few anxious moments for Maverley/Hughenden. But the team, said to be backed by Jamaican-born English striker Raheem Sterling, did enough to hold on for the point.

— Sherdon Cowan