Ottos Rangers returned to the top of the standings with a slim 2-1 win over Bendals.

By Neto Baptiste

The see-saw battle at the top of the standings in the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) First Division continued on Thursday when Ottos Rangers enjoyed a slim 2-1 victory over Bendals at the FA’s Technical Center located on Sir Sydney Walling Highway.

The win pushes Rangers to the top of the standings with 38 points from 16 showings, two points ahead of Jennings United who have a game in hand.

Bendals drew first blood via a **Darren Steven** 33rd minute conversion as they took a one-nil advantage into the interval. Rangers rebounded in the second half thanks to goals from **Josue Arias** (52nd) and **Junior Benjamin** (65th), taking all three points from the contest while planting one foot firmly into the top flight.

Meanwhile, Empire’s promotion hopes were dented following a 4-2 defeat against Swetes FC, in a game also played at the FA’s Technical Center.

**Jondale Jno-Lewis** was the chief architect for Swetes with a double-strike, scoring in minutes 31 and 38. Swetes also had goals from **Railique Browne** in minute 35 and **Vashawn James** in minute 43. For Empire, **Kamali Looby** struck in the 32nd minute while **Akeem Grant** netted in the 75th. Empire’s **Carlos Solomon** was red-carded in the 52nd minute.

The win moves Swetes to 33 points from 17 showings while Empire remain on 33 points after 17 matches as their chances of automatic promotion into the top flight dwindles.

Also on Thursday, Liberta Blackhawks forfeited to Urlings.