Ottos Rangers booked their flight to the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) Premier Division on Monday following a come from behind 2-1 win over Empire FC when they met at the FA’s Technical Center on the Sir Sydney Walling Highway.
The win carries Rangers to an unassailable 44 points from 18 matches as they join Jennings United as the two teams to earn automatic promotion this season. Both teams have one game remaining.
Rangers fell behind in the 32nd minute when midfielder Akeem Grant put Empire ahead from close range. However, second half conversions from Junior Benjamin in minute 54 and Josue Arias in minute 68, gave Rangers their 13th win in 18 matches as they make their return to the top flight after just one year of absence.
The loss was Empire’s fifth in 18 showings as they remain on 33 points and in doubt for one of two playoff spots. Freeman’s Village Scorpions (35 pts), SAP FC (35 pts) and Swetes FC (33 pts) are all still in with a chance of claiming the two playoff slots. As of April 1, they all had two matches remaining.
There was victory as well for Urlings as they beat Bendals FC by a 1-0 margin also at the FA’s Technical Center. Derrick Pryce scored the lone goal of the contest when he struck in minute 49 to move Urlings to 16 points after 17 showings while Bendals remains on 19 points after the same number of outings.
Meanwhile, Tryum FC won by default over the Liberta Blackhawks as the latter could not field a team. Tryum moves to 17 points after 17 showings while already demoted Blackhawks remains on three points after 17 matches.
