FC Reno, Falmouth to contest end-of-round final
FROME, Westmoreland — FC Reno will meet Falmouth United in the end-of-round final of the Jamaica Football Federation Western Confederation/Charley’s JB Rum Super League, after sneaking past leaders Wadadah Football Club and Sandals South Coast after Saturday’s final set of games in the return-round.
FC Reno started the round in third place and needed a win over Lilliput Rovers and a draw between Wadadah FC and Sandals South Coast — and that was exactly what the football gods served up for the former champions.
A 2-0 win over 10-man Lilliput Rovers was enough to take FC Reno to 18 points in Zone Two and give them a one-point edge over Wadadah FC and Sandals South Coast, who drew 1-1 in Montego Bay.
Ten-man Falmouth United completed the return round, without conceding a goal, with a 3-0 win over winless Super Star FC in Falmouth to top Zone One with 22 points, one more than defending champions Faulkland FC who beat Harmony FC 2-0 in a game that saw three players — two from the winners — being ejected.
Two late goals — Jashane Foster’s first of the season in the 69th minute and another in time added by Jessan Mahabier — carried FC Reno to their fifth win of the season and into the mid-season final.
Lilliput Rovers were reduced to 10 players in the 24th minute when Shamarie Smart was sent off.
At UDC field in Montego Bay, Sandals South Coast led 1-0 late and had appeared to be on their way to a second win over Wadadah FC and the top spot in the zone before an 89th-minute goal from Hardley Barnes rescued a point for the home team.
Orlando Barnes had scored in the 32nd minute to give Sandals South Coast the lead.
Falmouth United continued their hot run, beating Super Star FC 3-0 with goals from Duran Panton in the 15th minute while Jamar Scott added a second in the 48th minute — both scoring for the first time this season.
Scott was, however, sent off in the 73rd minute but Donte Green made it 3-0 in the 82nd minute, scoring his fourth goal since joining the club in January.
Faulkland FC stayed in second place behind Falmouth United after their testy game against Harmony FC at Jarrett Park. Faulkland FC lost Marvin Sangster and Tyshan Hill while Harmony FC had Richard Henry sent off as well.
Ewan Barton scored for the second-straight game to give Faulkland FC the lead in the 81st minute, before Obrien Robinson scored in time added for the final score.
Montego Bay United beat George’s Plain 2-0 for the second time this season, with Keniel Kirlew converting a 37th-minute penalty kick and Paul Spence scoring an own goal in the 55th minute.
Hopewell United and Coopers Pen drew 1-1 at Orchard with the home team taking the lead in the 20th minute, but Gary Anderson equalised for Coopers Pen in the 53rd minute.
Hopewell United finished the game with 10 players after Ricardo Scott was sent off after getting his second yellow card.