TT rally to hold Grenada to 2-2 draw

As the visitors fell behind late in the first half, coach Dennis Lawrence inserted trio Nathan Lewis, Alvin Jones and Akeem Roach, and they interjected new life into the TT attack in the second half as the visitors surged ahead before conceding a late equaliser.

TT found themselves trailing in the 41st minute when Denron Frederick beat goalkeeper Marvin Phillip to leave the hosts 1-0 ahead at half time before an enthusiastic home crowd.

TT, preparing for the pair of FIFA World Cup qualifiers against United States (June 8) and Costa Rica (June 13) respectively, continued to enjoy good spells of possession and were rewarded when Lewis struck the equaliser in the 66th minute.

Lawrence had Mexican-based Yohance Marshall in his defensive line up for the first time since taking over as coach with Honduras-based forward Jerrel Britto making his senior international debut.

Roach notched the go-ahead goal in the 80th, on an assist by Alvin Jones, but Grenada grabbed an 89th minute equaliser through substitute Saydrel Lewis. “In the first half Grenada were very well organised in their defensive shape and we moved the ball far too slow, also giving the ball away in crucial areas of the pitch where Grenada should have capitalised,” said Lawrence.

“In the second half we tried to move the ball quicker and more positive where we were creating problems in wide areas and managed to get total control, keeping Grenada playing on the counter attack which we dealt with for most of the second half.

“But once we took the lead, we did not manage the game after and we made an error yet again allowing Grenada to score the equaliser.

“But all in all it was a very good exercise as the main focus is to get enough competitive football before the qualifier against the US on June 8. There is not much competitive football for most of the boys until the League starts on May 26 and we have to close the gap before we head into the two qualifiers which would require having to get as much football for them before that period,” Lawrence ended.