Trinidad & Tobago (pictured) gathers for a team photo prior to its international friendly against visiting Barbados on March 10, 2017, in Couva, Trinidad & Tobago. (Photo: CA-Images)
COUVA, Trinidad & Tobago – Dennis Lawrence did well to keep in perspective Trinidad & Tobago’s 2-0 win over visiting Barbados on Friday, his first match in charge of the Soca Warriors.
First-half substitute Jamille Boatswain scored both goals before the break.
The victory ended T&T’s three-match losing streak at home, setting a positive tone ahead of World Cup Qualifying’s resumption later in the month.
“In regards to the game I was quite pleased with a lot of the things and then I was also displeased with some of the things,” said Lawrence, who enjoyed a long international career as a player with Trinidad. “I thought the boys tried to implement some of the things we’ve worked on, one in particular trying to maintain possession of the ball.”
Once Boatswain was subbed out for Akeem Roach in the 62nd minute, the side appeared to lose some of its offensive impetus, a notion Lawrence acknowledged.
“I think in the second half, probably in the last 25-30 minutes, we lost a bit of direction in regards to keeping the ball with purpose and we just started keeping the ball for keeping it sake, but that will come with time,” the 42-year-old commented. “It’s a young group and this is the first time they had the opportunity of playing against a different opposition.
“In general, I was pleased with the attitude of the boys. I was pleased with the effort…that they tried to do the things we asked them to do and I think it was a good night’s exercise for the boys.”
The purpose of the international friendly was for Lawrence to start the implementation of his system and identify players who could play a role in the next CONCACAF Hexagonal match against visiting Panama n March 24.
“Most important, is it was working towards something, because we are working towards the Panama game,” finished Lawrence. “That is the most important thing.”
