Reggae Boyz held to draw by Portmore
published: Friday | August 15, 2008
Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer
Jamaica's Evan Taylor fends the ball away from Portmore United's Carlington Smith during their match at Brancourt yesterday. The game ended 0-0. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer
JAMAICA'S REGGAE Boyz were held to an exciting 0-0 draw by National Premier League champions Portmore United at Brancourt in Clarendon yesterday.
Despite the ordinary result, national technical director Rene Simoes said he was pleased with his team's efforts.
"I am satisfied with this performance because we are not preparing the team to play this game," said Simoes. "We are preparing them for the game against Canada and we have to give everyone an extensive practice," he said.
Blood test
"They also did a blood test in the morning and so the team wasn't light, as it was against Waterhouse," Simoes said.
The Reggae Boyz defeated Waterhouse 5-1 on Monday.
Simoes added that the main aim of the camp was to make the players learn how to be patient in their approach to the game.
"Jamaica has to learn how to be patient and how to mark, and this was the objective of this camp," he said.
"I think we have a good mix between the local players and the overseas players. I am very confident in them," Simoes said.
Portmore United dominated the match from the opening whistle and created a number of clear-cut chances in the first period.
However, poor finishing from the likes of Carlington Smith, Steven Morrissey and Omar Campbell let them down.
Shot went wide
Ricardo Cousins should have given the Reggae Boyz the lead on the stroke of half-time but, with custodian Dwayne Carr at his mercy, his shot went wide of the target.
Five minutes into the second period, Morrissey received a perfect through pass from Stewart but also shot wide of the target.
Portmore United outplayed the Reggae Boyz for the remainder of the match but they weren't able to capitalise on their chances.
