MARC STAMP, STAR Writer

Striker Craig Foster played a critical role in Reno FC staying up in the Red Stripe Premier League football competition at least for another season by hitting the back of the net 20 times in the current season that ends on Monday, June 1.

The 24-year-old is a safe bet to walk off with the trophy and cash incentive for the competition's top goalscorer this season.

Reno avoided relegation on the final preliminary stage over two weeks ago by beating defending champions Montego Bay United 2-0, and Sporting Central losing 0-2 to Tivoli Gardens.

However, Foster's main rival Jermain 'Tuffy' Anderson finished his season on 19 goals after scoring in Waterhouse 1-5 defeat to Montego Bay United in the second-leg semi-finals last Sunday in Montego Bay.

Now, with Arnett Gardens facing Montego Bay United in the RSPL final on June 1 at the National Stadium, Dino Williams of MoBay United on 12 goals will need to score a highly improbable nine goals in that game to deny Foster.

Also a distance behind Williams are Leon Strickland of Arnett and Allan Ottey of Montego Bay United on 10 goals apiece.

Although anything is possible and the ball is round, it would take a modern day miracle for Foster to not win the award.

However, Foster who recently left the island to ink a deal with United Soccer League team Harrisburg City Islanders in the United States, might not be here to collect the title at the anticipated end-of-season ceremony.