Jamaica defender deflates T&T boss Dwight Yorke
‘Captain Fantastic’ seals slender friendly success for depleted Reggae Boyz in Montego Bay
Sue-Lae McCalla bagged the only goal as Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz got back to winning ways, courtesy of a 1-0 triumph over Trinidad & Tobago last night.
The 32-year centre-back broke the deadlock on 80 minutes, giving the small crowd inside the multi-purpose Catherine Hall Sports Complex something to cheer finally about.
McCalla’s strike handed Trinidad & Tobago legend Dwight Yorke yet another defeat. The former hot-shot striker, who took over as head coach last November, has yet to register a win in his two outings.
Yorke’s managerial debut with the Soca Warriors ended up with a 3-1 reversal to hosts Saudi Arabia in December’s friendly. However, the 53-year-old has so far only been forced to field locally-based players, as their matches have fallen outside the FIFA international match window.
There was speculation that Yorke, who played a pivotal role as player for Trinidad & Tobago’s sole appearance at the World Cup finals in 2006, could land the role as Jamaican head coach. He was overlooked and former England boss Steve McClaren handed the reins.
McClaren was also limited as far as his latest squad call-up was concerned. At least he had an opportunity to rue his eye on players who regularly compete in the Jamaica Premier League.
Bidding to end a dire run, with the Boyz entering the clash on the back of a winless three-match streak, McClaren fielded a cautious line-up in order to avoid defeat rather than push for victory.
The lacklustre contest, the first of a two-match series in three days, was fiercely fought but lacked the quality expected from the two Caribbean giants. It was a similar scrappy affair to last year’s listless back-to-back friendlies between these sides on Jamaican soil.
With the Boyz struggling to find the back of the net since mid-October, although they did score in the 4-2 defeat to the United States last November, it was a real surprise that a defender came up with the goods to save McClaren’s blushes.
McCalla, nicknamed “Captain Fantastic” at Jamaica Premier League leaders Mount Pleasant FC, has only had limited opportunities on the international arena. Without the usual familiar faces from the UK and US, he seized his chance to beat ‘keeper Jabari St Hillaire for his maiden international goal in four appearances with a late strike.
This was only the second goal in three friendlies between these teams. An improved display from both sides is expected for Sunday’s showdown at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex in Kingston.
While it will be back to the drawing board for McClaren, who must surely be relieved to register a narrow victory, Yorke will be plotting a way for his Soca Warriors to score goals.
Trinidad & Tobago were brilliant when they stormed past the Bahamas with an emphatic 7-1 win last June. Yet they failed to find the back of the net in September’s CONCACAF Nations League ties against Honduras and French Guiana.
Yorke may feel that he has something to prove to the Jamaica Football Federation, after failing to secure the head coach job last year, and could go full on for a much-needed win.
The fact that a veteran defender made the scoresheet and secured victory will not be lost on McClaren and Yorke, as they both prepare for the second installment.
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