ttgapers.com

A brace from Lebanese-based striker Errol McFarlane Jr spared Trinidad and Tobago's blushes in a 2-0 win over St Vincent and the Grenadines in CONCACAF World Cup Group C qualifying yesterday. In front of a hostile crowd at the Arnosvale, the favoured Trinidadians struggled against the host's aggressive defense, and failed to impress in a scoreless first half.

But just when the Vincentians looked set to earn an invaluable point off the high-flying Trinidadians, late callup McFarlane broke their hearts. He netted in the 76th minute and again in the 85th to seal the big away win for the "Soca Warriors," who were without some key players who were denied participation by their United Kingdom clubs.

McFarlane was drafted only at the last minute when Dundee United striker, Jason Scotland, failed to show because of club commitments.

Birmingham City striker Stern John thought he had netted his team's third, but he was ruled offside and the goal waved off. The return match in the semifinal round is in November.