The senior national football team took over where the Under-23 left off when they defeated host Barbados 2-0 in a friendly international in Bridgetown Sunday evening.

MidfielderNeil Hernandez and nippy striker Gregory `Jackie Chan' Richardson netted a goal each to take the nation's seniors to their first victory over Barbados in over a decade.

Reports from Barbados state that the Guyanese, urged on by a large number of compatriots living on the island, made easy work of the home side en route to their confidence boosting victory.

The host team was reduced to 10 men two minutes before half-time when John Hakwasworth was shown the red card for violent conduct. Hernandez was on target in the 59th minute while Richardson, a starter from the Under-23 side, finished off the Bajans in the 86th minute. Stabroek Sport was informed that magical striker Randolph Jerome was awarded a penalty in the first half

However, as he was about getting ready to take the shot the penalty was denied.

President of the Guyana Football Federation Colin Klass hailed the victory stating that it is one indicator that football in Guyana is improving. "We still have lots to do and a far way to go but this (Sunday's game) is just another indicator that football is improving," Klass said

"It is commendable and I take this opportunity to say congratulations to the technical director, the coaching staff and players."

In an invited comment, chairman of the Camptown Football Club Interim Management Committee Odinga Lumumba, said that the players, GFF and technical director deserves credit for the win.

"It is commendable and I take this opportunity to say congratulations to the technical director, the coaching staff and players."

However, Lumumba warned against members of the team getting "swell-headed."

"This was just a friendly game. The real thing is against Grenada. The players need to stay focused and disciplined. This is just the beginning," Lumumba said.

"The victory shows that there has been some improvement in our football."

The match was the first, and quite possibly the only, international practice game Guyana will have before taking on Grenada in the World Cup Qualifiers. The victory is sure to lift Guyana from the dreaded 180s where it has beeen ranked for close to a year. Barbados is ranked 111 by FIFA while Guyana is 72 places behind at 183.

Guyana play Grenada on February 28 in the first game of a home and away tie of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier. Barbados recently defeated Grenada twice in international friendlies. The senior national side was expected back home last night and will return to encampment in Sophia today.