National coach Keith Tucker was the first to admit missed chances came back to haunt his team at the National Sports Centre (NSC) yesterday.

Bermuda were forced to settle for a draw when in all honesty they should've had things sewn up before the break.

"We totally dominated the game. . . they (Cayman) never put together four or five passes the whole game," Tucker told reporters at the post-game press conference. "We pretty much controlled the whole match."

On a day when everything seemed to be going Bermuda's way, disaster struck in the closing minutes when defender Antonio Lowe was stretchered off hurt.

It proved to be an ominous sign of worse things to come as the Caymans drew level at the death on a rare mental lapse at the back.

"One of our players got hurt and then we had a little breakdown in defence," Tucker said. "We just lost control and balance in our defence."

Like many, though, Tucker felt Bermuda should've have long put the game away given the amount of chances they created.

"When we are on top of our game we must handle our business," he said. "I thought we could've done better in the top third, but you are never going to get a perfect game. The guys tried their best."

The subdued look on the face of Bermuda captain Kwame Steede also spoke volumes.

"That was heart breaking. . . having to concede a goal in the last few minutes," he lamented. "I felt we dominated the whole game up until that point.

"I thought we were on top of the game but then we lapsed mentally. Complacency came in at the wrong time and hurt us.

"But we played well as a team, and that is something positive we can take from the match."

Cayman coach Carl Brown had a big smile on his face. And for good reason as his team scored a vital away goal and will head home for the return leg all square with their Caribbean Football Union (CFU) rivals.

"We are pleased and this result would've done a lot for the players' confidence," he smiled. "We came here expecting a tough game from Bermuda and were prepared for them."

Cayman captain Thomas Elliott, added: "We are happy with the result, but aren't going to get carried away because the job is only half done. There is still 90 minutes of football to play."

Bermuda and Cayman will clash in the second leg March 31 in the Cayman Island.