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Youngsters' good decision-making bodes well for Island's World Cup campaign

For me the main difference between Bermuda's defeat and victory against St. Kitts and Nevis was the decision-making of the players. I thought it was vastly improved in the second match.

In the first game we showed a lot of naivety and looked a little rusty. I was a bit disappointed because I thought St. Kitts looked like an average team and we should have beaten them, if we had capitalised on some of their bad play. We didn't take our chances and instead they took advantage of our errors and mistakes.

The second half saw us apply some good pressure, finishing the stronger team, and the performances of teenagers Reggie Lambe and Nahki Wells were a plus point for us. They both could have bright futures in the game.

Sunday's performance was much improved and saw the return of guys like Sammy DeGraff, Keishan Bean and Tyrell Burgess. We had a better balance about us. These are intelligent players who know when to keep it simple, but effective, with two-touch football and when to commit their man. That's all about decision-making and it's so important because there is more than one way to beat a marker.

Another big difference for us was managing to get our noses in front through Aljame Zuill early on. I've only seen Aljame play twice and he looks as though he knows how to play as a lone striker, although I haven't seen him play with a partner yet.

Although he isn't the quickest striker he does take up good positions and likes the ball behind the defender. Defenders want the ball in front of them and will often back off a player like Aljame, allowing him more time on the ball when his back is to goal.

I thought he led the line very well and I can't fault any of the players in the second match. Once again I thought Kevin Richards was very impressive in both games. If we had a few more Kevin Richards in our team then we would find the early stages of our World Cup qualifiers a whole lot easier.

Kevin is a very tenacious player and never gives his opponent a moment's breather. As an attacking player you hate coming up against those sorts of players. His attitude is also spot-on and he has a never-say-die approach to the game. He is someone the other players can look to for inspiration.

On the whole I think coach Keith Tucker will have reason to be optimistic ahead of our qualifiers against Cayman Islands. I think Cayman will be a stronger team than St. Kitts, but Bermuda now has a number of players playing at a high standard, whether with the Hogges or in college. The experiences they will have gained could prove vital and I don't imagine Cayman will have as many players exposed to that sort of environment as us. That should stand us in good stead.