FYI Bermuda is playing Barbados in two friendlies in Bermuda. The first game was on June 6th, Bermuda won 2:1 and the second is tomorrow (June 9th). Here's a writeup from the Bermuda FA on the first game.
Source: http://www.bermudafa.com/home/254758.htmlBermuda defeat Barbados 2-1
National team showed signs of improvementBermuda National Men’s Football team got off to good start against visiting Barbados in the first of two friendly matches being played at the National Sports Centre.
From the outset Bermuda’s National Senior Men’s Football team performed well under their new Head Coach Kenny Thompson and Assistant Richard Todd. It was evident players moved the ball around the field and created space for themselves.
With only (7) minutes down Damon Ming, received a perfect pass from Kevin Richards, just outside the (18) yard box but his shot went high over the crossbar.
Barbados had a golden opportunity to open their account, in the (19) minute a cross from the left side into the box found Bryan Neblett unmarked, only to have his shot go wide of goal. Barbados squandered another opportunity when Riviere Williams, positioned himself firmly inside the (18) yard box only to see his header go wide of goal.
In the (41st) minute, national team Captain, Omar Shakir, scored a well placed 30 yard free kick when he carved the ball around the Barbados defense and into the back of the net, actually hitting the goal post and into goal, leaving their goalkeeper perplexed. With (2) minutes added on before the half time whistle, Barbados was awarded a free kick. Like Bermuda, Barbados Captain Norman Forde stepped up and took a well placed free kick as he curved the ball around the Bermuda defense and into the back of the net, leaving Bermuda goalkeeper, Jason Williams gasping for air.
In the second half, both teams played flat, however the (2) respective head coaches made substitutions to inject some life into the game. With (18) minutes to go before the final whistle, John Nusum came on as a substitute and before you know it he received a (25) yard pass from the defense as he outpaced the Barbados defense for goal only to be bought down by their last defender Bryan Neblett. He was eventually given his marching orders after receiving a red card. Bermuda wasted that opportunity or did the Barbados defensive wall better prepared themselves this time around? However you look the score was still 1-1.
With only (4) minutes remaining in the match Jemeiko Jennings and Reggie Lambe combined for some good passing. Lambe found Damon Ming running on his left side and subsequently provided a perfect pass on Ming’s right boot as he calmly placed the ball in the back of the net putting Bermuda ahead, 2-1 with crowd erupting with joy and pleasure at the stadium.
Although it was a friendly match played against Barbados, it was well deserved and improved victory for the National team. The squad must take every advantage against Barbados in the second match Monday night. Still there is room for improvement, and with (1) more match before their big game against Trinidad and Tobago, the National team should iron out all their kinks.
