Boatswain double sinks Bajans 2-0

The game was Lawrence’s lone international test before the back-to-back FIFA World Cup qualifiers at home to Panama and Mexico, on March 24 and 28 respectively.

But it was the performance of Boatswain that impressed the most, in front of a crowd estimated at 2,500.

Boatswain, replacing fellow debutant Jameel Perry in a move by Lawrence in the 31st minute to give each of his forwards a chance, scored four minutes later with his first attempt at goal.

Sent clear by a deep ball from Darren Mitchell, Boatswain collected the ball on the left, and unleashed a thunderous right-footer to the top left-hand corner of Dario Weir’s goal.

Boatswain then showed his predatory instincts in the 45th as he anticipated a defence-splitting pass from playmaker Hashim Arcia, and with Weir rooted on the near post, the striker banged home a right-footed shot, via the right post.

Players on both teams wore black armbands while there was a moment’s silence before kickoff as a mark of respect for Nikela John, daughter of assistant coach Stern John, who died on Thursday evening.

Marvin Phillip, the seasoned goalkeeper, took over the captain’s armband from Carlos Edwards, who led the team during the four-game reign of Lawrence’s predecessor Tom Saintfiet.

The game sprang to life in the 10th minute when wing-back Alvin Jones unleashed one of his trademark long-range freekicks, which flew wide of Weir’s right post.

Jones was involved in a trio of corners from both ends with the third met by centre-back Daneil Cyrus whose header crashed off the crossbar and went out of play.

Then came a pivotal moment a minute later when Perry got a through ball from the middle and, after being sent wide by the retreating defenders, slotted his left-footed shot wide of the mark, with Weir beaten.

Perry was hooked off by Lawrence eight minutes afterwards and Boatswain, in the space of 10 minutes, put the game beyond the reach of the Barbadians.

The second half saw a total of 13 substitutions (both teams were entitled to a maximum of seven switches) and the rhythm of the game was disrupted as a result.

However, Barbados had a rare attempt on goal, with Romario Harewood getting a ball from his captain Arantees Lawrence but shooting wide.

Eleven minutes later (65th), Sean De Silva, operating on the left, got a return pass from Arcia and raced on goal. But he could only look on in agony as his right-footed shot went out of play via the uprights.

And in stoppage time, left-winger Jomoul Francois – who, like defender Jesus Perez, made his international debut in the second half – ran on to a through ball on the left but his angled left-footer went wide.

Teams –

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: Marvin Phillip (capt); Daneil Cyrus (Jesus Perez 51st), Curtis Gonzales, Tristan Hodge, Alvin Jones; Jared London (Leston Paul 46th), Hughtun Hector, Sean De Silva (Carlos Edwards 76th), Darren Mitchell (Jomoul Francois 83rd), Hashim Arcia (Keron Cummings 72nd); Jameel Perry (Jamille Boatswain 32nd, Akeem Roach 62nd).

BARBADOS: Dario Weir (Kishmar Primus 72nd); Teriq Highland, Ranaldo Bailey, Alvin Chapman (Akeene Hill 72nd), Akeene Browne; Mario Williams (Sheran Hoyte 75th), Romario Harewood (Armando Lashley 65th), Arantees Lawrence (capt), Haydan Holligan (Darico King 79th), Omani Leacock (Raheim Sarjeant 46th); Shaquille Boyce (Jomo Harris 46th).