Fire burn Diamond 12-1 in FA opener

LAST season’s FA Trophy runners-up Arima Fire melted away the hopes of Diamond United, with a 12-1 hammering of Diamond United at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, Arima.

Action was in the opening round of this year’s series yesterday. Title-holders W Connection began their defence with a tricky game  against TT Pro League rivals Defence Force at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, last night. Four other matches, featuring other TT Pro League teams, were also in action up to press time last night, with Pro League minnows Tobago United facing Club Sando at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella while another Pro League club Joe Public hosting Petrotrin at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Tunapuna. South West Institute of Football (SWIF) were up against against Cocorite FC at the Palo Seco Recreation Grounds and CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh were locked in battle versus Hearty Food Bulls at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, Arima.

The “Stallions” of Caledonia AIA got a double from Nigel Hart and one each from Conrad Smith and Ryan Stewart to thump San Fernando Giants 4-1 at Skinner Park, San Fernando, while another Pro League outfit South Starworld Strikers eased past La Familia 3-0 at Marabella. Captain Kester Cornwall opened the scoring for Starworld after three minutes while Bevon Lewis, who made his national debut against Cuba two days ago, scored  in the 17th. Anton Ramnarine got Starworld’s third in the 58th.

Samba Xtra Malt San Juan United defeated Police (Super League) 2-0, while Point Fortin Civic Centre also won  2-0 over Valencia United at the Mahaica Oval. But the hosts were forced to wait until the 76th minute to break the stalemate when Sherwin Alexander scored.  Two minutes later Edison Smart got the second. Curtis Thomas notched a double while Kwesi Larrier scored the other to give Defence Force (Super League) a 3-1 triumph over Riverpool at the Queen’s Park Savannah. Rendel Pierre scored for Riverpool.