Trinidad & Tobago were left crestfallen after watching the disqualification of their three goals against the Reggae Boyz at the National Stadium Tuesday night and ending up being sent home with a 2-nil whipping.

Jamaica has now won its last six competitive encounters against Trinidad & Tobago. With two wins out of two games in CONCACAF Group B, the island seems set to qualify for next year’s World Cup in the United States.

Leon Bailey must make his presence felt in these games if he is to attain global recognition. He seems to be plagued by injuries.

Jamaica deserved Tuesday’s victory despite a spirited fight by T&T.

Bailey Cadamarteri opened the scoring for the Reggae Boyz in the 36th minute. It was the first senior international goal for the Sheffield player.

The second half saw the home team, Jamaica, playing higher up the pitch, with far more penetration, which resulted Reggae Boyz’ Jon Russell finding the back of the T&T net in the 57th minute.

By this time, Trinidad had two previous goals dismissed. The Soca Warriors must have thought luck was on their side when Levi Garcia scored again in the 73rd minute, only for his effort to be ruled offside.

Jamaica’s Head Coach, Steve McClaren, said after the match: “We started the game so well, particularly in the first 20 to 25 minutes. We had opportunities to score, and the first goal is always important. We rode our luck when Trinidad’s first goal was disallowed.

“We kind of controlled the game and wanted to keep the ball a little bit more. The win is a great credit to the players because it is a young team…. We’ve tried to put a squad together; we’ve had many injuries over the last two or three weeks leading up to the camp. We had eight players who would be on the field who were missing.

“The goal was to get six points out of these two games, and credit must go to the players and staff. Along the way, we have had difficulties. We found what I call ‘nuggets’ in terms of young players.

“We have kept a clean sheet over the two games, and we created chances. Tonight, we looked like a hardworking team. We are pleased with the start, but it’s only the beginning; there are tougher games ahead.

“Jon Russell has now scored five goals since he came back into the squad. We want to be a hard team to beat and keep clean sheets. We have Curacao next, and that will be a tough one. We have good players now and good players to come back in who have recovered from injury. And can score goals. We got through by grit and determination. I’ve learnt there are no easy games in the Caribbean. We are progressing well, and at this stage of the season, it’s all about results.”