Reggae Boyz reward fans with 3-1 win

With the hope of a new beginning off the field, Jamaica got back to winning ways on it, defeating Suriname 3-1 in their Concacaf Nations League home opener at the National Stadium last night.

Goals from Ravel Morrison in the 16th minute, Junior Flemmings in the 43rd and Jamal Lowe in the 69th powered the Reggae Boyz to their first win of the new campaign after Yanic Wildschut equalised for Suriname in the 20th minute.

The victory comes 24 hours after Jamaica Football Federation general secretary Dalton Wint bowed to pressure from the Jamaican players to resign following travel difficulties which saw the team delayed in their return home following their game against Suriname in Paramaribo. The turmoil caused the team to cancel their scheduled training session on Monday, with the players threatening not to play until their demand was met.

For Flemmings, he said that turbulent preparations made it important that they delivered on the field to give themselves and the country a much-needed boost.

"The last 72 hours have been pretty hectic for us and we told ourselves that the most important thing is to get three points on the board in whichever manner. We got three points. It wasn't a pretty game but as I said we got three points," Flemmings told STAR Sports.

While Jamaica were exposed at times and threatened by Suriname, Jamaica through Morrison unlocked the Suriname defence and ensured that they took command of their group with Mexico waiting in the wings.

Goalkeeper Amal Knight, who continued to deputise for the injured Andre Blake, said that the win was a reward to the fans who stood by them in their bid for change.

"I think this win was for the country as well. The country stood behind us and that was really positive. They didn't jump down on us and we always say its not about money. It's about the country's football future and that's what we did tonight," Knight said.

With change imminent from the federation, Knight said that he hopes that it is visible from the start.

"Let's see. I have no comment on that. But let see what will happen in the future. Hopefully the next general secretary comes in and does a good job," Knight said.

Jamaica currently lead the group on four points while Suriname are on one point. Mexico, Jamaica's next opponent are yet to play but will face them on Tuesday at the National Stadium.