An early Maykel Reyes goal was enough for Cuba to get past Barbados 1-0 in a Concacaf Nations League B Group A contest on Thursday night at the Wildey Turf Stadium in Barbados.

Reyes, 30, was able to put one past Barbados goalkeeper Liam Brathwaite after latching on to a pass from midfielder Willian Pozo which deflected off forward Luis Paradela.

The job was made even tougher for the visitors when, in the 33rd minute, Barbados midfielder Omani Leacock picked the pocket of Cuba defender Yosel Piedra and was off and running the other way.

The centre back was forced to bring him down from behind, earning his second yellow card in three minutes meaning Cuba would defend its lead with 10 men for an hour.

The Tridents looked for an equalizing goal that would have earned them their first point of the Nations League, but weren’t able to beat Cuba goalkeeper Sandy Sanchez. 

They got an opportunity in the 84th minute when a chipped ball over the top from the edge of the penalty area nearly got to Barbados forward Ryan Trottman but Sanchez was quick off his line to scoop up the ball and secure the clean sheet.

Cuba stays atop the group and will look to earn promotion to League A when it hosts Guadeloupe on Sunday, while Barbados closes out the tournament with a trip to face Antigua and Barbuda at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.