Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

The BATTLE to stay alive takes centre stage when the five teams embroiled in the fight to remain in the top flight, August Town, Reno, Seba, St Georges and Arnett Gardens, play crucial fixtures in the National Premier League (NPL) today.

Last week, a ruling by league's competitions committee saw three points awarded to Reno after Seba failed to show up for a crucial fixture between the teams. That result changed the complexion of the relegation battle.

With just two games left in the season, Reno, who were thought to be underdogs heading into the Seba game, have now joined St Georges and Arnett Gardens on 40 points.

The Westmoreland team is, however, above both Georges and Arnett on head-to-head results while August Town, on 35 points, are languishing at the bottom of table and on the outside looking in.

In fact, today's game against Arnett Gardens at the UWI Bowl is a last stand for August Town as a loss or even a draw would see them tumble out of the top flight after two seasons.

A loss or a draw for the 'Junglists', while not ending their campaign, would put them in a tough spot should Reno and St Georges both manage to secure wins.

Seba could face the drop

St Georges, who are yet to win a game since the start of the final round under new coach Geoffrey Maxwell, will certainly believe today to be the perfect time for their first when they travel to Jarrett Park to tackle Seba.

While currently in eighth place with 41 points, Seba are not yet out of the woods and could face the drop if they lose their final two games. However, a win today for the Montego Bay outfit would ensure its safety.

Reno will be looking to make use of their recent good fortune when they host already-safe Village at STETHS. Village, the first team in the bottom six to book their ticket back to the top flight next season, have a losing record this season against Reno. Should the western team continue that trend against their neighbours, they could either secure their spot today, based on other results or, at worst, leave destiny in their own hands heading into the final game of the season.

Already crowned champions Portmore United are still in celebration mode and could have very little in the way of motivation when they travel to Brancourt to tackle Sporting Central. Sporting are in a curious position - sixth in the NPL standings, despite being two points below Village.

By virtue of securing their spot in the top six, Sporting can't finish the season outside of that spot. Still jostling for their final positioning, fifth-place Waterhouse will host second-place Tivoli Gardens at the Drewsland Stadium.

The West Kingston team has all but wrapped up the runners-up spot but Waterhouse could still slip by rivals Harbour View to capture fourth. The 'Stars of the East' will host third-place Boys' Town at the Harbour View Mini-Stadium.