By Melton Williams,
Staff Reporter
Hamilton, Bermuda:
JAMAICA virtually assured themselves of qualifying to the next round of the Under-17 football tournament for the World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago later this year.
The young Reggae Boyz sent Barbados packing out of the four-nation tournament with a 4-0 defeat in last night's second round qualifying game here at the National Sports Centre.
Goals by Richard West (17th minute), Vivian Malcolm (35th minute), Copeland Lewis (70th) and defender Jermaine Montaque (time added on) were more than enough to tarnish Barbados' image, which was severely clouded by Monday's 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Bermuda.
It was the Jamaicans' second victory after defeating Netherland Antilles 2-0 on Monday's opening match.
Hosts Bermuda, who were scheduled to play a late game against Netherland Antilles, entered last night in pole position in the four-team tournament after Monday's opening schedule as a result of beating Barbados 3-0. They will have to score four clear goals to remain in that front running position going into tomorrow's final set of games.
For this second round qualifier, only the winner will advance to the next phrase which will be staged in the US between April 18-22.
Taking advantage of sloppy work in defence, Jamaica scored its first goal through a crisp build-up which started on the left flank. That gave Leon Williams and West a free run at goalkeeper Ruel Forde. The two rushed into the 18-yard box and Williams played across to West who lobbed over the keeper's head to put Jamaica 1-0 ahead.
Jamaica continued to dominate but had to wait until the 35th minute to increase its lead, after Barbados had their only shot at goal when Wayne Maynard drilled a powerhouse inches over the upright from the centre of the field.
The young boyz certainly took note of Barbados' intention as their next attacking thrust produced the second goal. Star striker Malcolm, who missed some good scoring opportunities made up when he calmly slotted home from inside the 18-yard box, a defence splitting ball produced by Demar Stewart.
Barbados, apart from Maynard's effort in the 34th minute, spend the remainder of the half breaking up numerous attacks from the Jamaicans.
However, the Barbadians only dominated for small period but were largely unpenetrative inside the attacking third and slow to pick up opponents while defending.
Jamaica continued where they left off in the second period, squandering good chances on a night when the midfielders fed the strikers with a very high percentage of passes.
The victory was met with joy by head coach Patrick "Jackie" Walters.
"We played much better today," said Walters who went on to knock the officiating of the game.
Walters also rapped the ball boys citing that "they were sloppy ... they took lengthy times to get back the ball into play so that we could continue to build attacks."
Meanwhile, technical director Clovis de Oliveira, who was in charge during Monday's first encounter returned to Jamaica on Tuesday to be with the senior team.
