At half time, most people around me thought the Trinis were going to pick up a 6-0 by the final whistle. That was how Jamaica had run rings around this weak T&T delegation. Yes, T&T had a goal disallowed under strange circumstances, and who knows what would have happened had it been allowed to stand, but certainly, for most of the game, including the last 20 minutes, it was all Jamaica. Trinidad did have some good moments, and their number 10 was a handful for our defenders. Substitute Telford gave them some life and a goal.
The Trinis had no answer for the blinding speed of Shelton, Daley, Phillips and Woodbine, in particular. Had it not been for some poor crossing, some selfish and unintelligent play by some of our players and desperate T&T defending, it could have been 4-1 at halftime. Easy!
Luton did not make a mistake with his first touch, a vast improvement. His passing decisions still need some work.
The goal from King was sheer master class – control, spin, curling shot to the far corner. Worldclass! Held up the ball well and got his teammates into the game.
Phillips was his usual excited self, working well with Woodbine on the left. A sizzling shot from open field that came within inches from the crossbar in the second half was his best moment.
Oneil Thompson was decent in midfield, showing off some unusual skill from time to time. His clumsy challenge on top of the 18 gave away a freekick that I do believe led to the first Trini goal.
Austin was okay in midfield, not his usual dominating self, and misfired on some of his passes. Did not have an opportunity to unleash that cannon ball.
Omar Daley was his usual lively self in midfield, overlapping well and supplying decent crosses from time to time.
Demar Stewart did not inspire confidence in defence. Many thought it was his fault why T&T appeared dangerous in attack as he lost his opponents on a regular basis.
Adrian Reid also appeared a little out of sorts. A comical moment was when he and Stewart simultaneously went for and misjudged a high T&T clearance, almost resulting in a T&T player running unchallenged to goal.
Marshall was his usual solid self. He just might be our leading goalscorer this campaign.
Shrek really had little to do in goal. He cannot be blamed for the two Trini goals and his distribution was calm and sensible all night.
Then there were the changes – off went King for Burton, Thompson for Khari, Daley for Cousins (PMU), Shelton for James Thomas (PMU) and Phillips for Wolfe (PMU). Burton continues to display his absolutely amazing first touch and missed the upright by a foot or so. He holds up the ball well, supports the play, passes to his teammates, but he continues to get a cussing from the fans. I wonder what would have happened had he scored. Khari was solid in midfield, Thomas didn’t get the ball very much and I can’t remember Wolfe’s contribution. I do remember the contribution of Cousins, however, and it was not pretty. What should have been a simple cross into the area from the right channel was turned into some seal-like crap, resulting in a turnover to the Trinis. Then he attempts a spectacular clearance on top of his own 18, missed, fell on his ass as some Trini capitalizes and hits a saveable but deflected shot that ties the score.
I thought the defence appeared bumbling, making up for errors by their raw speed and strength. Then again, how hard is it to push a Trini off a ball?! Midfield was particularly lively, with Red Bull-like energy from Phillips, Austin, Daley and Cousins (hrmph!). Forward line was busy too, but I am not happy with the communication between King and Shelton. I would certainly give it some time to develop, however. For me, Fuller was not missed!
Find of the game – Obrian Woodbine. I recall this young man terrorizing a Munro daCosta Cup team two years ago while playing for Frome. Good to see him develop. He looked comfortable out there and another speed king.
Saw Gardner in the stands. Good to see him walking around comfortably after reports about bruised ribs.
