T&T came away with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Barbados in their friendly international at the Marvin Lee stadium at the Centre of Excellence in Macoya yesterday.
Young Jamal Gay, Devon Jorsling and Akilie Edwards were on target for the home team who now look ahead to their match against England on June 1st full of confidence.
Jamal Gay opened his senior team account with a well taken goal in the 41st minute to give T&T the lead at the end of the first half. The former El Dorado striker worked hard throughout the first half, switching sides and coming from deep in T&T’s half of the field to initiate plays. Gay had seen his left side effort whistle just wide of the upright in the 14th minute as T&T pushed forward. Keon Daniel played an excellent pass late in the half to release the lanky youngster. Gay rounded the advancing ’keeper and calmly walked the ball into the net.
The local team however suffered from a lack of leadership on the field with the absence of midfield general, Aurtis Whitley—due to injury. Khaleem Hyland and others could not provide regular service to the strikers.
The Barbadians were unable to create much of their own; only Jonathan Straker’s long range curling effort forced Phillips to make a fine diving save to his right in the 30th. The visitors did little else in the first 45 minutes.
In the second half the Bajans pushed hard and forced several good saves out of Marvin Phillip in goal for T&T. The local team soaked up the pressure but kept the opponents at bay. Gay turned provider in the 87th minute, working against two defenders on the right touch-line; the striker wriggled free and floated a pass across the six yard box. Substitute Devon Jorsling rose above the defense to head home and double T&T’s advantage, 2-0.
Another substitute, Akilie Edwards saw his shot rebound off the upright in stoppage time. But he was able to head in the goal while on his belly to seal the win for the Soca Warriors, 3-0.
In the Eastern Football Association’s season opening match, WASA FC demolished Malabar FC 4-0 to take the Vernon Bain Challenge Trophy. A hat-trick from Mervyn Brooks and another goal from Stevon Stoute powered the St Joseph-based team to the resounding victory. The match was however, marred by indiscipline and some questionable refereeing.
Rashby Mc Fie sent off three Malabar FC players and gave two penalties against the Arima team, which drew sharp protests from fans and players.
T&T: Marvin Phillips (GK) Kern Cupid, Makan Hislop, Anton Pierre (Capt), Khaleem Hyland, StephanDavid, Jamal gay, Ancil farrier, Kevon Carter, Jerrol Forbes, Keon Daniel
Barbados: Adrian Chase (GK), Dyson James, Jonathan Straker, Rondelle Vaughn, Malcolm Marshall, Norman Forde (Capt), Kieran Crichlow, Greg Belle, Bryan Neblett, Walton Burrows, John Parris
