McLean embraces ‘destiny’ after rescuing Reno in Red Stripe Premier League

WESTERN BUREAU:

Reno FC were head over heals on Sunday after retaining their place in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) with a confident performance that brought them a 2-0 win over reigning champions Montego Bay United, in drenching rain at Frome Sports Complex.

Their stay of execution was made safe as news filtered through that Clarendon's Sporting Central Academy lost 2-0 to Tivoli Gardens at Railway Oval.

Reno (32 points) entered the contest two points behind Sporting (34) and needed a win to take them to safety.

In the end, victory was sweet for Reno's supporters, who pranced about in jubilation as January signee Jason McLean scored a beauty in the fourth minute to give their team the lead, which was doubled with an opportunistic strike in the 83rd minute by Alburn Facey, the captain.

McLean was scoring his second goal for the season since joining Reno, ironically, from Sporting, in the January transfer window.

"I am more than happy for the win and for scoring one of the goals which gives us a place in the league after such a tough season," McLean said.

"I came here in January, and to score in such an important game like this, one that keeps the club in the Premier League, is really a joy. Maybe it was destiny."

written in the stars

It appears that joining Reno was written in the stars for McLean, as he has since been added to the national Under-20 setup. The forward told The Gleaner that once Reno can make a few adjustments next season, the club should be in a much stronger position nearing the end.

Additionally, he is happy to be sharing striking duties with Craig Foster, the competition's leading goalscorer.

"He (Craig) is a good finisher, and I hope I can learn some things from him. I am happy here at the club, and the sky is really the limit, as I hope we can really take it from here," said McLean.

It was much the same for Facey, a central defender whose absence for two months - because of a thigh injury - left Reno's defence in a precarious position.

"Nothing could feel better than this today, apart from if we had won the title. But I am happy with how we played and won. (There is a) great feeling among the players, and we hope to kick on from here next season," Facey said.