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Al Ain secure Etisalat Reserve League title with last win

Al Ain have secured their position as champions of the Etisalat Reserve League for the second successive season following their deserved 2-0 win over hosts Kalba in the match played in Round 20 on Sunday.

The win saw Al Ain raise their tally to 45 points to secure the title with two rounds remaining. Al Jazira jumped to second position after beating Al Shabab 2-0, while Al Ahli slipped to third spot on 37 points following their 0-4 loss to Al Wahda.

Al Ain took control of the match against Kalba in the early stages, but failed to convert their chances in the opening minutes. Romanian Valentine was sent clear by Juma'a Saeed's perfect through pass with only the goal keeper to beat but he failed to score. Al Ain's full right back Faraj Juma'a was the first to find the back of the net in the 38th minute to finish the first session with a 1-0 lead for the visitors. Defender Mohanad Al Anzey made it 2-0 with a long-range volley in the 58th minute.

In the other matches played on -Sunday, Al Nasr beat Al Dhafra to take 6th place with 30 points, Sharjah held Bani Yas to a goalless draw and Al Wasl defeated Dubai 6-0. Bani Yas and Al Wasl are in 4th and 5th positions respectively, with 30 points, while Al Wahda is in 7th spot on 28 points, followed by Al Dhafra with 26 points, Al Shabab with 24, Sharjah in 10th position with 14 points on goal difference to Dubai who are in 11th place, one ahead of Kalba who are sitting at the bottom of the table.