Reno dent H View’s semi-final aspirations

Renario Downswell netted his fourth goal in three games to earn Reno a valuable point against Harbour View in their battle against relegation in the Red Stripe Premier League.

The result also had far- reaching effects for the Stars of the East as it severely dented their hopes of making the last four.

The point put Reno (34) four clear of the relegation zone, with two games remaining. However, Harbour View (40) are now five points off the semi-final spot and, with only six points available, coach Ludlow Bernard has thrown in the towel.

"It is highly improbable (qualify) and I am willing to concede," he commented after the game.

Humble Lion (44) remain in the hunt as their 1-0 win over Boys' Town (38) kept them just a point adrift UWI FC (45), who are in pole position following their 1-0 win over Cavalier.

Reno came into the Harbour View game hunting all three points, but, for Downswell, the point is welcome.

"This match, we had to win as you can see that we are down in the relegation zone. But the team came out and played some good football and got a result," the goalscorer said.

The former St Elizabeth Technical High School player only returned to the team in recent weeks, due to reasons he chose not to disclose. However, his contribution is worth its weight in goals.

"This is my third game and my fourth goal in three games. This is the back end of the season and we have to step up our performance. We've had a bit of ups and downs this season, but the coaching staff talked to us and got back the team together. But it's a very young team and we believe we can do better," he observed.

"As a senior member of the team, when I look back, I see that I have to step up, so I just stepped forward and told the coach I am ready to lead the way," he told The Gleaner.

"We need to finish off this season and get ready for next season. It's going to be hard, but we are going to push those two games and we are not going to ease back," he said.