Trinidad and Tobago ’s National Under 20 footballers will look to continue their winning ways when they face Bradford Park Avenue in a friendly encounter at Horsfall Stadium on Friday evening.
The Zoran Vranes-coached team will have their final run out on English soil before heading off to Turkey on Monday where they will face Cameroon, Costa Rica and United Arab Emirates in further friendly internationals.
Bradford boss Lee Sinnott, a former Port Vale manager and ex-Watford and Crystal Palace defender, said he was looking forward to Friday’s fixture against the Caribbean visitors.
“I haven’t seen them play but I understand they are a very strong side and they must be packed with talent to be representing their country in the World Cup.
“I intend to use this as a full first team game because it will keep my players sharp for our game against North Ferriby United on Monday.
“The bonus is that I can use several substitutions so if I need to bring players off for a rest then I have that option.
“Playing an international side, even a youthful one, is very much an unknown commodity for all of us here at Avenue. I’m glad we could accommodate them, because we have a blank Saturday, and we are all looking forward to an experience we may never get the chance to repeat,” said Sinnott. Bradford currently play in the Northern Premier League’s Premier Division.
Meantime T&T captain Leston Paul, reflecting on Wednesday’s 2-1 win over a Sheffield United XI, was maintaining a level head, noting that the remaining fixtures would mean much more to the team’s preparations.
“It was a good way to start the tour off but we have much more games which will be even tougher before we get to Egypt,” Paul told TTFF Media.
“We haven’t been starting tours or matches too well in the past so it felt good to get the early goal and hold on for the victory. We were unlucky not to score a couple more. Overall I was happy with the win. We will try to win again on Friday and then all the boys are looking forward to see the Man U/Arsenal game on Saturday. After that it will be back to some serious hard work again in Turkey,” Paul added.
Sinnott to field strong side against tourists
By Ian Whiting (Telegraph & Argus)
Bradford Park Avenue have to wait until Bank Holiday Monday for league action but host Trinidad & Tobago’s under-20 World Cup side tomorrow night in a friendly at Horsfall Stadium.
Bradford boss Lee Sinnott said: “I haven’t seen them play but I understand they are a very strong side and they must be packed with talent to be representing their country in the World Cup.
“I intend to use this as a full first team game because it will keep my players sharp for our game against North Ferriby United on Monday.
“The bonus is that I can use several substitutions so if I need to bring players off for a rest then I have that option.
“Playing an international side, even a youthful one, is very much an unknown commodity for all of us here at Avenue. I’m glad we could accommodate them, because we have a blank Saturday, and we are all looking forward to an experience we may never get the chance to repeat.”
The tourists beat a Sheffield United XI 2-1 at Brammall Lane earlier in the week.