Bermuda Under-23s 1

Wilmington Hammerheads 4

Teenage defender Roger Lee's mature defensive display was arguably the most encouraging facet of Bermuda Under-23s' defeat against Wilmington Hammerheads.

The Somerset Eagles player, who made his full international debut at last summer's Digicel Cup, continued his impressive form in the Under-23s series of matches against USL-D2 opposition and caught the eye of Hammerheads coach David Irving.

"I thought Roger was excellent again for us and has really benefited from these games," said Bermuda technical director Derek Broadley. "I know he impressed the Hammerheads' coach and we had a little chat about him after the match."

The friendly, played in three periods at BFA Field on Monday night, saw Bermuda hold Hammerheads to a scoreless draw after the first hour and take the lead in the second stanza through a fortuitous Cecoy Robinson goal. Robinson's hopeful pump into the box was completely misjudged by Hammerheads reserve 'keeper Kyle Polak who couldn't prevent the ball from crawling over the line. However, Hammerheads, who beat Bermuda Hogges 1-0 on Sunday night, hit back as their extra experience told with four unanswered goals. But for Broadley, the Under-23s achieved their two pre-match targets; to score a goal and keep a clean sheet in one of the periods.

"I thought we played very well in the first period and kept the ball nicely," said Broadley. "There were a number of pleasing performances including our 'keeper Freddie Hall, who made a big difference, and Seion Darrell who did a very good job in the holding midfield position.

"The players have been receptive and are starting to buy into what these games are about. It's not about the result and we probably won't see the true benefit from these games until a couple of months' time.

"Obviously we want to win all of our matches but it's more important that the players adapt to playing at this level and begin to take onboard the style of football we want them to play – we're still trying to get the ball forward too early.

He added: "Reggie Lambe came down on Monday to take a look and should be involved soon."

Bermuda Under-23s play Hammerheads again tonight at BFA Field.