JOE PUBLIC DEFEAT BARBADOS

JOE PUBLIC DEFEAT BARBADOS

 

BARBADOS' senior men's football team went down 2-1 to Trinidad and Tobago Professional club Joe Public in their rematch at the YMCA on Tuesday night.

Playing the final match before they host the Digicel Cup Second Round Group G play at the National Stadium, Barbados head coach Eyre Sealy rested several key players.

Midfielders John Hawkesworth and Paul Lovell returned to the squad, while defender Rommelle Brathwaite, who was unavailable on Sunday, captained the side in the absence of Norman Forde and John Parris. Defender Rohan Hall, midfielders Ramuel Miller and Malcolm Marshall, and striker Angus Doyle were all moved into the starting lineup.

Hawkesworth, a veteran from the 2002 World Cup campaign, made his presence felt with a confident display.

Meanwhile, Joe Public player/coach Michael McComie delivered on his promise to field a stronger team after Sunday's goalless draw in the first match of this
goodwill series.

Midfielder Arnold Dwarika was one of the main additions, and the former T&T national player had a good outing pulling the strings in attack.

The Bajans fell behind in the 19th minute when Kendell Davis collected a long ball and slotted past goalkeeper Alvin Rouse. They equalised five minutes later after they were awarded a penalty. Lovell was fouled in the area and Hawkesworth slammed the ensuing spot kick into the top right corner of the goal.

To their credit, Barbados tried to keep possession but were guilty of being impatient

On the other hand their opponents were more composed and had the better of the exchanges. They piled on the pressure in the second half and went ahead for good in the 57th minute. After a neat exchange on the left, substitute Wolrey Wolfe clinically slotted home from just inside the penalty area.

The Bajans had a few chances to equalise, and Kenroy Skinner, who replaced the injured Doyle at half-time, came close just after the hour.

 

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