McClaren: We need the supporters

AS THE Reggae Boyz prepare for the second leg of their Concacaf Gold Cup preliminary fixture against St Vincent and the Grenadines, head coach Steve McClaren has called for the fans' support at Sabina Park tomorrow.

The Boyz returned to the island after a 1-1 draw in the first leg in a hard-fought contest against their Caribbean neighbours.

Oalex Anderson gave St Vincent the lead in the 64th minute before Leon Bailey scored the equaliser from the penalty spot in time added.

The result means that it is the third time in the programme's history that Jamaica have failed to defeat St Vincent, adding to a 2-1 loss in 2006 and a 3-3 draw in 1992.

Jamaica had dominated much of the proceedings and had the lion's share of opportunities, which they failed to convert.

Speaking at the Arnos Vale Stadium after the first leg, McClaren said his players will need to have a better performance in front of goal if they are to get by an organised St Vincent unit.

"As I said coming in, and no one believed me, I watched a lot of St Vincent, and I think it would be a difficult game, and it proved that. We had some good spells, but we need to be better," the Reggae Boyz boss said of the team's performance.

"We can be better, and we need to be better, and we need to make sure that we are okay. We escaped here with a draw, so we've got to make sure that we get the result on Tuesday."

Coming into the second leg, McClaren said an important aspect for the team will be the support of the Jamaican fans at home.

He pointed to the crowd at the Arnos Vale Stadium playing a major role in St Vincent's robust defensive performance and hopes Jamaica can provide a similar atmosphere at Sabina Park.

"We need the supporters," he urged. "St Vincent had their supporters tonight, so we'll need ours at Sabina on Tuesday to get the team going, to cheer them on and to make sure we get the result."

The winners of the two-legged tie will advance to the Concacaf Gold Cup group stages set to begin in June.

With the away goal rule still in effect in Concacaf competitions, Jamaica enter the second leg with a slight advantage.

The second leg is set to kick off at Sabina Park at 7 p.m.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com