ST GEORGE’S, Grenada CMC – Striker Ulric Cilis unleashed a stunner five minutes from time as Martinique snatched a late 2-2 draw against Grenada in a friendly international at Progress Park here Monday. Down 2-1 late in the encounter, the French staged a series of last-minute raids on Grenada’s defence before Cilis converted from close range in the 85th minute after sprinting into an open space to retrieve a pass from defender Johan Deluge.
The visitors, who enjoyed the better of the exchanges early in the first half, took the lead in the 13th minute through prolific striker Jose Goron after goalkeeper Desmond Noel misjudged the height of the shot struck from ten yards out.
However, the beaten Digicel Cup finalists revived their game in the latter part of the first half and were rewarded with two goals from strikers Kithson Bain and Marcus Julien.
Bain, back in Grenada after completing a season with British league one club Tranmere Rovers, equalised in the 36th minute of play.
His shot, from 10 yards outside the 18-yard box, rocketed past the left of Martinique’s goalkeeper Eddy Heurlie.
Four minutes later, Bain and Julien teamed up to reclaim the lead for the spice boys after conjuring-up an inter-play that left the Martinique defence beaten.
Julien lobbed a ball from the right flank into Bain in front the six-yard box.
Bain then dribbled past a defender before cross-passing to Julien who tapped the ball into the nets.
Grenada lost ball possession frequently and struggled in the second half to a more technically superior opponent.
In fact, the home team made about six substitutions in the game including goalkeeper Noel who played only during the first half.