Barbican's Jermaine Parris controls the ball ahead of Axum's Oshane Dunkley during the Jamaica Football Federation(JFF) National Premier League football play-off at Barbican yesterday. - Ian Allen

As the hunt for a spot in next season's Red Stripe Premier League continues, Barbican Football Club and Axum Sports Club of St Mary met for a thrilling fixture yesterday.

The 2-1 result for the home team, Barbican, some would argue, did not reflect the kind of intense and competitive football played over 90 minutes. The early warning shot was sounded when visitors Axum went ahead courtesy of an own goal, just 11 minutes into the game.

Axum kept Barbican at bay until late in the half, when the home team, perhaps stunned by the early goal, got the inspiration they needed and equalised in the 41st minute. It came from a neatly tucked away strike by Shaquille Lewis. Lewis' first goal meant he had kept Barbican's hopes alive and temporarily silenced the strong visiting crowd, who before then seemed optimistic about carving an upset.

The Barbican team still pressed on though, and as their home fans got more voracious and cheered on the players, the game gradually changed. Courtesy of a 90th minute wonder strike, Shavon Charlton made the score 2-1 in favour of the home side.

expressed delight

Charlton later expressed delight with the result, adding "I feel so good about the win, we were 1-0 down until the equaliser. After the second half, we decided to give it that extra punch and go for the win," he said.

Meanwhile, winning manager, Chris James outlined that "home games are the most important, so we seek to pick up as much points from them, hopefully we will make the premier league next season," he said.

Despite the scoreline, both teams were guilty of missing a number of clear cut chances; more so Axum's Oshane Dunkley missed from the penalty spot midway the second half.

Barbican eventually prevailed and the scoreline ensured that they are second on the table.

In the day's other game, Reno slammed Jamalco 3-0 at Frome Sports Club in Westmoreland, courtesy of a brace by Craig Foster in the 38th and 75th, and another strike by Melville Blair in the 85th minute. Jamalco's Rashane Sharpe was ejected in the 76th minute for violent conduct.

Reno and Barbican are on six points each, however, Reno lead on a better goal difference. Jamalco come next on three points, followed by Axum at the bottom of the table on one point.