FALMOUTH, Trelawny - Reno started their Jamaica Football Federation's (JFF) Coca-Cola Under-21 competition with a hard fought win yesterday, edging Village United 1-0 at the Elliston Wakeland Centre in Falmouth.

Adrian Robinson's first half goal was enough to give the Aaron Lawrence-coached team a winning start and a share of the lead after the first round.

The game was well contested for the first 60 minutes or so, but unravelled towards the end as both teams showed a lack of match fitness.

The game started over 30 minutes late due to the late arrival of the team of officials from Montego Bay, while the home team opted to change their outfit after a colour clash. Both teams were given mostly white outfits. Village used their Premier League kit from last season.

Reno looked the better prepared of the teams and could have won by a wider margin, but for a spate of missed chances, especially late in the game when Village pressed forward for the equaliser.

Reno had the first real chance in the 21st minute when Kemar Dawkins side-footed from just inside the six-yard box, but goalkeeper Preston Smithy pulled off a brilliant reflex save to keep him out.

Reno eventually took the lead eight minutes later when they caught the Village defence napping and Robinson's shot, while falling down, bounced twice before crossing the line to Smith's right.

The goal lifted Reno's confidence and they took over the game, but despite getting most of the chances could not add a second.