Barbados’ senior national women’s team snatched a 2-1 victory over Grenada when the two teams met Friday night in an international friendly at the Barbados Football Association’s Wildey, St Michael AstroTurf.
This is the first time in two years international football has returned to the AstroTurf due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The opening half ended goalless with both sides having their moments but failing to find the back of the nets.
However that all changed in the second half when three goals were scored and Barbados secured two of them thanks to attacker Marissa King and defender Alyssa Yard.
King was first on the score sheet with a penalty kick in the 62nd minute after the ball was handled inside the area by defender Keldonna Jefferey.
Center referee Jermaine Newsam was kept busy during the second part of the match because some of the plays were very physical. He was also ably assisted by FIFA and Concacaf assistant referee Tonia Deane.
Grenada did not let up and kept applying pressure in the final third in search of the equalizer which came in the 80th minute of the contest through midfielder Sheranda Charles.
Makela Alleyne of Barbados takes possession of the ball as referee Jermaine Newsam keeps close watch on the proceedings.
Referee Newsam showed Barbadian player Keinelle Johnson the red card in the 77th minute after a strong cover challenge on Charles.
Charles made no mistake as she curled the ball beautifully past Barbados goalkeeper Rhea Holder from just outside the 18-yard box.
Credit to Holder who attempted to make the save but unfortunately pushed the ball into the side netting.
The women from the Spice Isle erupted in celebration in that moment.
While both teams played good defensive football it was Barbados with an opening that found the back of the nets. Alyssa Yard got the final touch off a free kick initially taken by Marissa King in the 83rd and completed the victory. (ML)
