Phillips nets beauty, but Boyz lose again
Published:Thursday | October 13, 2011 | 12:00 AM
JAMAICA's Reggae Boyz suffered their fifth consecutive loss, going down 2-1 to Honduras in a friendly international in the Central American country on Tuesday night.
Three England-based players - Marcus Bean, Nathan Smith and Marvin Elliott - made their Jamaica debut.
Smith played the full 90 minutes, operating from the left full back position.
The Jamaicans made a horrible start and conceded a goal within the opening minute, as Jerry Bengtson scored to hand the home team the lead.
The Boyz managed to pull themselves level as the first half wound down, via a well-taken free kick from midfielder Demar Phillips.
Phillips put the ball into the back of the net on the stroke of half-time, a curling left-footed beauty from right on the edge of the 18-yard area into the 'pigeon hole' at the near post.
Striker Omar Cummings earned the free kick when he was brought down after displaying a cheeky bit of skill to split a pair of defenders.
Lucky martinez scores
Roberto Martinez guaranteed the hosts' impressive home form against the Jamaicans, as he netted 13 minutes into the second half, at the 58th.
Martinez, however, had a huge slice of luck as he beat the outstanding Jamaican custodian Dwayne Miller in goal via a deflection, but perhaps deserved it after challenging the Jamaican defence with a brave dribble out of midfield.
Bean had the best chance of the second half for the Boyz, forcing a save from Honduran custodian Donis Escobar with a point-blank header.
Since a CONCACAF Gold Cup 2-0 quarter-final loss to the United States at Washington's RFK Stadium in June, the Reggae Boyz had lost to China (1-0), Ecuador (5-2) and Colombia (2-0) in overseas fixtures.