SSFL 2022: Arima North thump Miracle Ministries 4-0, St Mary’s edge Bishop’s High

Arima North Secondary got their 2022 Big 5 campaign off to a positive start this evening, with a 4-0 win over Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar.

St Mary’s College made it two wins from as many appearances though, as they edged Bishop’s High School 2-1 at Serpentine Road, St Clair.

The “Saints” lead the group with six points and a +5 goal difference while Arima North are second. Siparia West Secondary are yet to play in the competition—after they were twice allowed to reschedule home games—while Bishop’s and Miracle Ministries are still awaiting their first point.

Bishop’s welcome Siparia West to Tobago on Sunday 27 November while, on the same day, Arima North host St Mary’s in a top of the table clash at their Arima Old Road school ground.

Arima North, who were led by technical director Wayne Sheppard for the first time this season, will hope to take some momentum from today’s outing—although they lacked fluidity for long stretches.

Forward Darion Marfan put the “Dial Dynamos” ahead after just 14 minutes, as he charged into the opposing box to ram home a cross from bustling midfielder Jemaul Ashing. And, four minutes later, it was 2-0 after a Miracle Ministries defender inadvertently knocked an inswinging Marfan free kick past goalkeeper Yolandro Bereton.

The goals did not deflate the Central Zone champions though, nor did it seem to settle the host team—who swapped their school ground for the Malabar venue due to the poor weather.

It took until 26 minutes in the second half before Arima finally enjoyed some daylight space, as flanker Devin Seales won and then converted a penalty kick.

And Ashing capped a productive performance with the Dynamos’ fourth and final goal, as he hit a low shot past Bereton and in off the far post following a pass from teammate Mark Thomas.

It set the stage nicely for a clash between Arima North and St Mary’s College at the Arima Old Road this weekend.

(Teams)

Arima North Secondary (4-1-4-1): 1.Isaiah Diaz (GK); 3.Criston Gomez, 8.Jadon Durity (captain), 21.Ezekiel Ramdialsingh, 6.Jeremy Joseph (16.Josiah Goodridge 85); 14.Agyei Des Vignes; 25.Mark Thomas (9.Aaron Bartholomew 85), 24.Malachi Noreiga (19.Nicholas Torres 75), 26.Jemaul Ashing, 11.Devin Seales (22.Daniel Votor 72); 10.Darion Marfan (7.Tyler Ayers 81).

Unused substitutes: 31.Kwesi McKell (GK), 4.Garrick Thomas.

Coach: Wayne Sheppard

Miracles Ministries High School (4-1-2-3): 1.Yolandro Bereton (GK); 3.Teriq Thomas, 4.Miqel Samuel, 23.Jacquil Adams (captain) (5.Darion Woodruff 83), 6.Mackhadon Charles; 21.Mathius Squires; 19.Jordan Thorne (14.Avi Phillip 87), 12.Romario Sambrano (11.Jervan Gong Gong 52); 7.Sean Paul (20.Romario Da Silva 46), 10.Daniel Hope, 9.Jaden French (16.Shivon Lalloo 85).

Unused substitutes: 88.Kieron Guy (GK), 27.Jadon John.

Coach: Patrick Sambrano

Referee: Keilon Bacchus

Man of the Match: Jemaul Ashing (Arima North)

Big 5 results

(Thu 24 Nov)

Arima North Secondary 4 (Darion Marfan 14, OG 18, Devin Seales 71 pen, Jemaul Ashing 78), Miracle Ministries High 0 at Larry Gomes Stadium;

St Mary’s College 2 (Jamal Thomas, Kyle Phillip), Bishop’s High 1 (Kaieem Lewis) at Serpentine Road;

Siparia West Secondary are on a bye

Upcoming fixtures

(Sun 27 Nov)

Bishop’s High vs Siparia West Secondary, 3pm, Bishop’s;

Arima North Secondary vs St Mary’s College, 3.30pm, Arima Old Road;

Miracle Ministries are on a bye

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