Lawrence rues missed opportunities by TT attackers

Jamiel Hardware (fifth minute) and Fabien Reid (56th) found the back of the net for Jamaica while defender Kevon Villaroel (10th) replied for the hosts, who used this game as preparations for their forthcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup CONCACAF Zone Final Round Qualifiers against Honduras (at home on September 1) and Panama (away on September 5).

“I was a bit disappointed with the first goal that we conceded,” said Lawrence, during the post-game media interview. “I thought it was too soft. It’s not the way that we wanted to start the game.

“(Afterwards) the boys did well to get themselves back into the game,” continued the TT coach. “I think we had too many chances.

“We need to start putting away all these chances because, at the end of the day, goals win matches. Jamaica (then) made it very difficult for us.

The boys stuck at it.” Lawrence, as well as the TT players, were noticeably at odds with decisions made by Guyanese referee Sherwin Johnson, including Reid’s decisive goal, which he allowed, despite huge protestations by hosts.

Lawrence pointed out, “We looked at it on the video clip. It came off the guy’s shoulder. I think it was a fair goal.

“We thought it was (a) hand ball at the time so I compliment (the referee) on that. At least he got one thing right,” he added.

Marcus Joseph was recalled to the national team, and he had a mixed performance as the lone striker. According to Lawrence, “I think it took him a bit long to settle into the game. He wasn’t himself, the Marcus that I know. I think he rushed things a little bit.” Another player recalled by Lawrence was winger Cordell Cato, who missed the pair of qualifiers in June – away to the United States and Costa Rica, for disciplinary reasons. “It would have been difficult for him on the night because he hasn’t played for a while,” Lawrence said. “But I thought he gave everything. The idea was to give him 70 minutes but he said to me ‘I’m going to go the whole 90 minutes’.

I think it will be good for him, going into the Honduras game.” Jamaica coach Theodore “Tappa” Whitmore, commenting on the game, noted, “It wasn’t all about a win situation. We wanted to help our Caribbean neighbours in terms of giving them a good practice game, going into their two World Cup qualifying games. I think we did just that. The added bonus is just the victory.”