Martinique end Caribbean Cup with victory

Western Bureau:

Martinique defeated Antigua and Barbuda 2-0 last night in Group B in the 2014 CFU Caribbean Cup at the Montego Bay Sport Complex, but failed to improve their chances of a direct qualification to the Gold Cup.

The win moves them to four points from their completed fixtures, while Antigua and Barbuda ended the competition on a single point.

A 57th-minute opener from Bedi Buval gave Martinique the lead, for JosÈ Goron to finish off the Antiguans in the dying moments in the 90th minute.

"We needed the victory but we weren't as good as we wanted, because we wanted to get a bigger score, but we counted seven missed opportunities to score, so it's really a pity," said Martinique coach Marianne Louis.

Only 14 players were available for the game, after injuries took its toll. His captain, Sebastien Cretinoir, also picked up an injury during the match.

Antigua actually looked the more dangerous of the teams early on into the contest, with Calam Martin, Quinton Griffiths and Akeem Thomas looking lively.

But in the eight minute, Gael unleashed a powerful shot from 30 yards out that Brentton Muhammad in the Antigua goal did well to save.

Then in the 32nd minute, Geoffrey Malfleury had his headed attempt easily dealt with by Muhammad once more.

"Defensively, we lacked organisation in defence. I think it's where we lacked that needed experience. These are thing we need to improve on. Plus we tried to make that final pass too early and it did us in," lamented Antigua coach Ralston Williams.