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BY
KENDALL GARCIA
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
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