Arima edge into Big 5 final

ARIMA produced a fantastic all-round performance to defeat Naparima 1-0 at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, Arima, yesterday, to advance to the final of the British Gas Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Big 5 final.

The “Dial Dynamos” will now oppose defending champs St Anthony’s in Saturday’s final at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, from 4 pm. Star striker Gorean “Mickey Rat” Highley, who tormented the Naps defence from start to finish, proved the difference between both teams, notching the 59th minute winner to send Arima to their first SSFL final since 1991. After veteran Naps midfielder Brenton De Leon headed away a Jammiel Smith left-side corner, an unmarked Highley powered his left-footed half-volley to the back of the net, despite a parry from Naps goalkeeper Cieron Millette. The South Zonal winners were unable to withstand the Arima attacks, in particular Highley, who left man-markers Deverne Wallace and Kern Peters for dead time and time again.

Boosted by a 5,000 crowd, including members of the St Anthony’s squad, the Arimians got their first opportunity after seven minutes, with Highley sending a low cross from the left to languid midfielder Jevon Chrichlow who saw his shot blocked by Ancil Farrier. Naps chances were few and far between, with Kern Robinson intercepting a bad pass from Arima stopper and captain Jesse Martinez on the half-hour but sending his shot into the side netting, after rounding goalie Ryan Ajim. And Robertson, teamed up with De Leon in the 38th but, with Ajim at his mercy, De Leon blasted his right-footer wide of the mark. To the shock of everyone at the venue, Arima blew a golden opportunity in the 44th. Highley latched on to a stray pass from Farrier and, after speeding past Wallace on the left, found his unmarked strike partner Dorian Daniel who tapped his right-footer straight at Millette.

Two half-time changes by Naps, including ace striker Ateba Forde for Robinson, could not do the trick as their defence were put on the backfoot  from the get-go. Buoyed by the news that coach Kerry Jamerson was removed from the touchline by fourth official Robin Murray for abusive language, Arima never let Naps off the hook in the second half, including Forde, their most creative and innovative player. In fact Naps, after using their mandatory three substitutes, were forced to play the final five minutes with ten men as Forde succumbed to a series of challenges and tackles by the Arima defenders. Highley limped off in the 89th minute due to an injured right thigh but the hosts held firm until the end, booking a place in a SSFL final for the first time since 1991.