Young Reggae Boyz bounce back

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Jamaica's Under-17 team rebounded from Sunday's 4-2 loss against their Canadian counterparts in fine style, when they handed the visitors a 1-0 defeat in yesterday's second game of their two-game series at Jarrett Park, in Montego Bay.

Showing greater commitment and cohesiveness than in the first game, the young Reggae Boyz got their all-important goal from the boot of André Lewis, who struck mid-way in the first half. With a little more luck, they could well have won by a much wider margin.

"On Sunday we were seeing some of the players for the first time so we were basically assessing them," said Jamaica Under-17 coach Wendell Downswell.

"Today we came tactically prepared, we were ready and as a result we played a much better game and got the desired result."

Jamaica quickly took control and with the Canadians seemingly not relishing the sunny conditions, had the better of the exchanges, creating several early openings.

They should have taken the lead in the 13th minute when Romario Williams got away in front of goal but chipped the ball over the crossbar.

Canada rebounded in the 20th minute when Ismail Bonomar got away in front of the Jamaican goal but under pressure, fumbled badly and lost possession to the advancing goalkeeper.

Golden break

With the momentum in their favour, the Jamaicans took the lead in the 28th minute. Resulting from a break out of midfielder, Lewis fired a powerful shot, which eluded the outstretched arms of the Canadian goalkeeper, making the score 1-0.

Jamaica wasted a glorious chance in the 58th minute when Romario Jones got a clear header just in front of Canada's goal but to the absolute disbelief of his team-mates, directed his header wide of the goal and helpless goalkeeper.

On the stroke of half-time, Canada got their best chance when Jay Chapman broke away but his firm shot was driven straight at the goalkeeper, who collected the ball cleanly.

The opening stanza of the second half was dominated by Jamaica, who had the Canadians on the run for long periods. They should have doubled their lead in the 55th minute through Neiko Taylor but he fired wide of the target after finding himself with lots of space.

Mid-way the half, Canada got back-to-back chances in the 76th and 78th minutes. Firstly, Jalen Brome fired wide from the edge of the goal area and then Kevin Aleman directed his close range header wide of the target.

In the dying minutes of the game, Jamaica also got back-to-back chances in the 85th and 86th minutes both falling to skipper Omar Holness. However, Holness' first shot went too close to the goalkeeper, who parried wide and his second, a powerful drive, was turned over the crossbar by the custodian.