Bermuda national team head into their Digicel Caribbean Cup campaign fresh off a confidence boosting victory over Miami FC Blues in the US.

An early minute strike from college utility-man Jason Davis was enough to see off the United Soccer Leagues (USL-D1) outfit on Saturday, who play in the division above the Bermuda Hogges.

Technical director Derek Broadley said the friendly match was played in blistering heat and had served as an "excellent workout" for the squad, which flies to Cayman

Islands today.

"We played very well especially in the first-half," said Broadley.

"The heat was absolutely unbelievable and we only had 12 players whereas they had a squad of 20, which they rotated. It really tested our fitness levels."

Bermuda's trio of Under-20 internationals, Tumani Steede, Roger Lee and Casey Castle, all featured for the senior national team for the first time and Broadley said he was delighted with their performances.

"Obviously we gave everyone a run out and I was pleased with our newcomers Tumani, Roger and Casey who gave a good account of themselves.

"Miami used some of their reserve and academy players, but it was still an excellent workout for our players."

The Gombey Warriors had to make do without Khano Smith, Reggie Lambe, Keishen Bean, Stevie Astwood and Damon Ming who joined up with the squad yesterday.

Due to a lack of numbers coach Kenny Thompson rolled back the years during a second-half cameo showing, while head of delegation Anthony Francis also made a brief appearance.

According to Broadley, the evergreen Thompson showed his players that he had lost none of the silky skills he was famed for during his playing days.

"I've got to say Kenny was pretty impressive out there," said Broadley. "He was certainly more impressive than Anthony Francis.

"After the game we even had one of the US college scouts ask us about Kenny's availability!"

Bermuda face Antigua and Barbuda in their opening match of the Digicel Caribbean Cup on Wednesday.

The Antiguans are viewed as Bermuda's biggest threat to topping the group, which also includes Cayman and St.Martin.

Bermuda's last Digicel Caribbean Cup campaign saw them comfortably negotiate the first phase before finishing third in a four-team group in phase two and being eliminated by eventual winners Haiti in a play-off - the last hurdle before the finals.

Bermuda's starting XI against Miami FC Blues: T.Figureido, C.Frick, A.Lowe, K.Franks, D.Cox, S.DeGraff, J.Jennings, R.Lee, C.Castle, T.Steede, J.Davis Subs: N.Burgess, K.Thompson, A.Francis