PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — Reggae Boyz midfielder Jamiel Hardware says it was a “dream come true” after scoring on debut in Jamaica’s 2-1 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in Thursday’s friendly international at Hasely Crawford Stadium.

The 25-year-old Hardware, who was a late replacement in the travelling squad for Jamie Robinson, gave Jamaica an early lead with a fine effort before Kevon Villaroel equalised for the hosts. Hardware was one of seven Jamaican players on debut.

Fabian Reid, another of the first-timers, notched Jamaica’s winner in the second half.

“I feel super excited. Knowing that I wasn’t in the squad at first and coming into the squad, then making my debut and [scoring] that wonderful goal, so it’s emotional for me; a dream come true,” Hardware told the Jamaica Observer.

The Boys’ Town FC player said he never expected their inexperienced set-up to acquit themselves that well.

“We knew we had it in us but it was just if on the day we were going to turn up. The performance was great from the guys and we fought for each other,” said the former Bridgeport High Manning Cup football star.

Jerome Waite, the assistant to interim Head Coach Jerome Waite, praised Hardware and the overall team effort.

“To see how composed Jamiel Hardware was and to execute that goal from about six minutes, shows he has some quality. Overall, they could have done better; it was good for a first game at that level,” said the Arnett Gardens FC head coach.

“Basically they handled themselves well and, in terms of tactical application, they really did well. It wasn’t too difficult for them in terms of how they applied themselves because a lot of youngsters who get the opportunity at the senior level, it can be nerve-racking,” Waite added.

Goalkeeper Shaven Paul, 26, who also made his first senior team appearance on Thursday, ended strongly after a nervous show in the first half.

The goal he conceded came as a result of misjudging Villaroel’s cross-turned-shot. But he said his second-half effort to thwart Trinidad’s Arcia in a one-on-one situation boosted his confidence.

“Overall I gave an average performance, I think. I started shaky but I finished better. I’m grateful for the experience and it will only get better going forward,” said the former St Mary Technical student.

“The goal caught me out at the front post and it went over my head at the back post. It was just unfortunate. My second half was much better because I came out with confidence and the save helped me a lot,” explained the Portmore United custodian.

Kingston College player Javain Brown, 18, was another player handed an opportunity by the coaching staff.

He told the Observer he is pleased with how he performed.

“I feel good with my performance because I think I handled myself well. I wasn’t nervous, but I was thinking about the game all day and the night before. I was saying to myself that I’m going to do my best, no matter what.

“I think I played well though I made some mistakes, and I was able to overcome them gradually. At international it’s not like schoolboy level, so you have to concentrate right through,” the Harbour View FC player said.