GORDON WILLIAMS, Contributor

Donovan Ricketts

FRISCO, Texas, USA

A largely inexperienced Jamaica squad tackled El Salvador in a friendly football international here over the weekend. The 0-0 seemed a fair result. Below are the performance grades for the Reggae Boyz.

GOALKEEPER: Donovan Ricketts was forced into two vital saves. Both - one to push away a dangerous cross, the other to punch clear a curling free kick coming out of the sun - kept Jamaica level at a crucial period just before the end of the first half, with the Reggae Boyz hanging on in the blistering heat. But not much more was asked of Ricketts on a solid day. Grade B.

DEFENCE: This unit, especially central defenders Adrian Reid and Jermaine Taylor, kept most of what El Salvador offered in front of them and away from Ricketts. But El Salvador's attacks found much room on the flanks and tracking the long diagonal balls, especially at the back post, exposed some marking lapses. Fullbacks Lance Laing and Obrian Woodbine offered little in attack. A few miscued clearances caused anxious moments as well. But overall, the unit stood its ground and did not allow a goal. Grade B.

MIDFIELD: Four players, Evan Taylor, Keneil Moodie, Ricardo Cousins and Wolry Wolfe, manned this area for most of the match. Overall, they were outshone in ball possession and ideas by El Salvador. Their passing was not the best and support for Jamaica's attacks suffered. But they did well to stay organised, clogging El Salvador's direct advances toward goal. Gradually, the unit gained confidence and was better in the second half, closing down spaces. Despite the effort, these young Boyz have much work to do to master the international game. Grade C.

FORWARDS: Captain Andy Williams partnered newcomer Omar Cummings most of the game. But the rookie outshone the veteran. Williams hardly stamped his influence and the 'Bomber' recorded just one teasing attempt at goal. Cummings was much sharper, with ball skills and pace to get clear of defenders. He created a good scoring opportunity for Cousins, but badly missed a sweet chance to score on debut and win the game. Overall this pair was made to work hard with no goals to show. Grade D.

Cummings .... had ball skills and pace to get clear of defenders. - file photos

SUBSTITUTES: Jevaughn Watson entered for Cousins. Eric Vernon replaced Wolfe and Kavin Bryan came in for Williams. Keammar Daley saw some action for the injured Laing. All fit into the pattern of the game without making a decisive impact. Grade C.

COACHES: Technical director René Simoes was pleased with his inexperienced squad and rightly so. Conditions, especially the oppressive heat and a more mature El Salvador line-up, proved testing. But the Boyz stayed organised throughout. Simoes effectively used injury breaks in the game to conduct sideline instructional sessions and recharge his troops with much needed fluids. In-game adjustments, especially pressing El Salvador more in midfield, also tilted the tide for Jamaica as the game wore on. World Cup qualifiers will bring a better talent influx, but the coaches got much from this group of players on a challenging day with the overwhelming crowd support favouring their opponents. Grade B.

Gordon Williams is a Jamaican journalist based in the United States.