Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Jamaica proved too good for Cuba last night when they turned in a decent performance to beat the Spanish-speaking Caribbean country 3-0 in the second game of their two-way friendly at the Montego Bay Stadium, in St James.

Jamaica, who won the first game 1-0 at the National Stadium, in Kingston, on Wednesday night, scored through Ryan Johnson, Jevaughn Watson and substitute Mitchily Waul. Cuba spurned a penalty through Keiler Garcia Estrada when Jamaica had a 2-0 cushion.

"We played much better than we did in the first game," said national coach Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore.

"We created many more chances and I am more satisfied with the overall attitude the players displayed tonight."

Jamaica looked much the sharper of the two teams from the opening whistle, especially with Jermaine Hue having control of midfield. In fact, with a little more composure, Jamaica could well have got a few early goals.

The opening goal of the contest came in the 35th minute when, following an assault on the Cuban goal, the ball bubbled out of a sea of players and Johnson was on hand to help the ball past the goalkeeper, making the score 1-0.

Before the Cuban defence could regroup the Jamaicans struck again. Joel Senior broke free down the left flank and fired a cross in front of goal in the 37th minute. The onrushing Watson connected with a powerful header, which gave the goalkeeper no chance and made the score 2-0.

The second half saw Jamaica looking less composed, as Hue and a number of other players where substituted and the coach tried different combinations. Nonetheless, Jamaica still looked the better of the two teams.

Cuba got and wasted a glorious chance to claw their way back into the game when they were awarded a penalty in the 72nd minute. However, Garcia Estrada fired high over the cross bar much to the relief of goalkeeper Richard McCallum.

With time running out in the game, Jamaica had the Cubans on the run, creating numerous chances, especially through Tramaine Stewart, who missed two 'sitters' as the Cuban defence buckled under pressure.

However, in the 83rd minute, Waul won possession in front of goal and his shot struck a defender before flying into the goal to make the final score 3-0.