GORDON WILLIAMS, STAR Writer

Tyrone Marshall - file

Tyrone Marshall said: "We seem to play our best when our backs are against the wall." Just like Saturday, when Jamaica faced a do-or-die situation against Mexico, the Reggae Boyz pulled together to nip Honduras Wednesday by a similar margin and keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive. Here's how they did it:

GOALKEEPER: Donovan Ricketts had to make a few straight forward saves as Honduras rarely threatened his goal directly. But he was steady and recording a shutout in the second of two crucial games back-to-back was a big plus. GRADE B.

DEFENCE: This unit is starting to look like the rock from the 1998 campaign, which carried Jamaica at the time. It's stout at the heart, bolstered by the intelligent, efficient Marshall at sweeper. Reliable Ian Goodison, plus Claude Davis and substitute Damion Stewart, provided intimidating presence. The tackling was sharp and sure, the marking tidy. Marshall made sure there were few leaks. The disciplined tracking by Demar Phillips and Jamal Campbell-Ryce on the flanks added to the organisation, with Phillips, especially, making a few timely interceptions. GRADE B-PLUS.

MIDFIELD: A definite attempt was made to improve the consistency of ball possession. But that area needs work. The middle still lacks a genuine "boss" who can dictate tempo. Yet it's hard to fault this unit's effort. Captain Ricardo Gardner seemed off key, although he provided the telling pass for Jamaica's goal. Omar Daley was lively in the beginning as Rudolph Austin's replacement, delivering a fantastic first half cross that almost led to a goal. But he seemed to run out of steam. Campbell-Ryce's confidence is sky high, although he was not as effective in attack as he was versus Mexico. Phillips offered another steady effort as his defence improves, but not equal consistency in attack. Yet his powerful free kick forced a wonderful save from the Honduras goalkeeper. It's still a question whether Oneil Thompson will be Jamaica's final solution at central, but his passing was more consistent Wednesday, and no one could fault his courage playing with a painful head injury. His physical presence matched up well against Honduras as well. GRADE C-PLUS.

FORWARDS: Ricardo Fuller and Luton Shelton again put in a hardworking shift. Shelton showed sweet skill and clinical composure, beating defenders and the 'keeper, to score. But Fuller missed a glorious opportunity to increase Jamaica's lead, shooting straight at the 'keeper after being first to a rebound. GRADE B.

SUBSTITUTES: Stewart replaced Davis, as he did against Mexico, and put in crunching tackles to make sure the Hondurans understood there would be no let up. Omar Cummings and Dane Richards brought speed, energy and skill that kept the Honduras defence extremely busy late in the game. GRADE B.

COACH: It was announced that interim coach Theodore Whitmore was too hoarse to attend Wednesday's post-game press conference. But his work spoke loudly. Two wins in two crucial matches mean interesting times are ahead when John Barnes takes over as coach on November 1 with the last World Cup qualifier in the CONCACAF semi-final round coming on November 19 against Canada, and Jamaica still with a chance to qualify. Against Honduras, Whitmore had his team ready to go, although that should not have been too difficult following the win over Mexico. The Boyz were more patient against Honduras. Yet Whitmore, sensing the need for speed, injected Cummings and Richards late. That was impressive. With Jamaica clinging to a 1-0 lead, he chose attacking players when most coaches would have looked to defend. It was bold ... and it worked. GRADE B-PLUS.

Gordon Williams is a Jamaican journalist based in the United States.