Hallgrimsson loses 1-0 to Trinidad in first home match as Reggae Boyz head coach

WESTERN BUREAU:

A Reggae Boyz 1-0 defeat to Trinidad and Tobago marked national senior men's head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson's home debut in their international friendly at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall tonight.

The lone goal came against the run of play in the 67th minute when Reon Moore pulled wide of his marker to the left on a counterattack, cut inside and shoot, beating goalkeeper Kemar Foster at his near post. After the goal, Trinidad and Tobago managed the game well to hold on to the victory.

Before the goal, the hosts seemed to have found their groove and created several chances but failed to capitalise.

Their best chance came 28 minutes into the first half when a flick-on from a cross fell to Omari Hutchinson at the back post, but he hesitated to shoot before opting to put the ball across the goal, looking for a teammate but was only met by red shirts.

Coach Hallgrimsson believes they played well for the most part but lack penetration.

"We didn't deserve to lose it (first home game) if you look at the chances. We have to improve a lot of things," said Hallgrimsson.

"There are positives to take from the game. We created a lot of chances. We also got into positions but overplayed instead of delivering it in the box or shoot. It was the first international match for a lot of them, so it's a good experience for them," he added.

Hallgrimsson believes that, unlike their opponents, they did not capitalise on their key moments in the game.

"It was their first attack in the second half. We had created a lot of chances both at the end of the first half and early in the second before they scored. It was just one moment, and they were up. From there, it was more panic than quality," said Hallgrimsson.

"They have been training together, so you could see that they have a plan and stuck to it. They were more synchronised. In the end, they got cramps and fatigue because they don't have playing rhythm of games," he added.

Trinidad and Tobago’s coach Angus Eve was over the moon and applauded his players for “grinding out” a brilliant result, which he said means a lot to their football that's in rebuilding.

"For us to come here and grind out a victory is tremendous. Trinidad and Tobago football has been in the doldrums, and Jamaica is like 50 spots ahead of us. To get this victory against a good outfit with some experienced players, some in Europe and a world-class coach we are really happy to be able to compete with these types of guys," Eve said.

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