The Gambia Ports Authority FC and Interior FC have returned to the top flight of Gambian football after garnering the desired results against their respective opponents in the penultimate fixtures of the Gambia Football Association Second Division League yesterday.

Ports Authority battered Lamin United 4-1 in their final match at the Serrekunda East mini-stadium, while Interior's 1-1 draw with Ham Ham at the Brikama Box Bar Mini-stadium was enough to see them bounce back to the first division league. Serrekunda East United, who were also in the race for promotion to the first division league, beat relegated Jambang Jelly 2-0, but the result was not enough to earn them the premier ticket.

A brace from Tony Mendy and another two goals from Hatab Badjie and Saloum Faal saw the Bonu Johnson-tutored side round up their season in spectacular style. Ports entered yesterday's clash knowing fully well that a win will see them regain their place in the top flight irrespective of the outcome of the other matches.

And the Ferry Boys made their intention clear as early as the 9th minute when Tony Mendy opened the scoring before Saloum Badjie extended the lead in the 21st minute. Lamin, who tried to keep their composure despite going behind so early, pulled back a goal in the 23rd minute, but Hama Conteh's  strike only proved to be a consolation after Hatab Badjie made it 3-1 for Ports in the 44th minute.

Tony Mendy stepped up in the 66th minute to score his second goal of the match ending any doubt on how the evening would end at the Serrekunda community mini-stadium. At the Brimaka hallowed turf stadium, Ham Ham came from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw against Interior, albeit the setback could not spoil the Ebrima Manneh-led side's party as they finish joint top with Ports, with each bagging 35 points in 18 fixtures. The duo will replace, at the first division league next season, Africell and Tallinding United who finished at the bottom of the table in the just concluded season.