Bermuda found out first hand the importance of scoring over dominance as they were shocked 1-0 by a St. Martin Under-23 Select last night in Alberic Richards Sports Ground.

A missed penalty 35 minutes into the first half by striker Darron Simons ultimately came back to haunt Bermuda as the home side notched an 88th minute winner.

Ranked 161 on the latest FIFA list of countries, Bermuda entered as firm favourites against a nation that does not appear among the 188 national teams listed by the world governing body.

However, poor finishing in both halves ruined the form book as a hustling St.

Martin found a way to first survive and then triumph over their visitors.

The goal came against the run of play, with a ball knocked insidethe box miscontrolled by a Bermuda defender, allowing the opposition to gain possession and beat goalkeeper Tim Figureido with an effort from 15 yards.

Earlier Kentoine Jennings was denied with a 40-yard shot by the brilliant acrobatics of the home team's goalkeeper, as was substitute Chris Sabir, who had a free kick well saved.

"We dominated the match, but goals win,'' said Bermuda Football Association general secretary David Sabir. "I think the guys may be disappointed at the result, but feel good at having dominated the game.

"(St. Martin) hustled hard, were physical and showed some organisation.

That's not to take away from our guys (because) we played very controlled and had a lot of opportunities that went begging.'' Bermuda play St. Martin's senior national squad on Sunday at 4.00 p.m.

Bermuda: T.Figureido; S.Smith, K.Jennings, L.Stevens; S.Lewis, V.Astwood, S.Burgess, R.Tucker (C.Sabir), D.Boyles (N.Paynter); E.Jennings (A.Russell), D.Simons (K.Jennings).