CATEGORY:SPORTS (SOCCER)
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By Lester Smith,
(Technical Director, GFA)
Inside Grenada contributor
Tuesday November 07,2006


GRENADA NATIONAL Footballers led Barbados twice and had to settle for 2-2 draw with in a friendly match at Carlton Club, Black Rock, St Michael, Sunday evening.

Lanky Grenadian striker, Kimroy Redhead (Hard Rock) scored both of Grenada's goals in the 7th and 45th minute. While Barbados were indebted to former captains John Parris (29th) and Gregory Goodridge (67th) for sharing the spoils.

Playing for the first time since winning their first-round group in Antigua in September, Barbados badly missed the services of England-based strikers Paul Ifill and Mark McCammon, defender Dwight James, and attacking midfielders Jeffrey Williams and Paul Lovell.

Redhead (Hard Rock), who scored in each of Grenada's two matches in the Independence Cup in St Vincent last week against the home team and Antigua, tormented the Barbados defense with his neat touches and on-the-ball movement while exchanging passes with strike partner Carlson McQueen (FUTGOF).

Barbados had the first opportunity to score when Goodridge found the returning Michael Forde with a high cross from the right but goalkeeper Ken Searles made a brilliant save at near post.

Two minute later, Redhead (Hard Rock) made no mistake with his header, cleverly slipping his marker to powerfully direct the ball well out of Taylor's reach after Stephen Hood (QPR) floated in the ball from the right.

Barbados went in search of an equalizer which came in the 28th minute when Michael Forde found Parris at back post with a left-side cross which he headed home.

Then on the stroke of half-time, it was Grenada who went ahead when Redhead again ran onto a through ball from Franklyn Baptiste and chipped it over the head of the advancing Taylor.

In the second half, Substitute player Angus Doyle for Barbados was brought down in the penalty area by the Grenadian defender Marvin Frederick.
Goodridge stepped up and converted for Barbados leveling the scores.

Grenada piled on the pressure and had two very close stinging shots from Marcus Julien (Eagles Super Strikers) which goalkeeper Rouse had to deflect.
In the final analysis, the fans and the players seemed to have enjoyed a wonderful match.