The second of our Youth Cup Finals staged at Bedfont Sports on Sunday last was the Under 15 encounter between AFC Wembley Youth and Whitton Wanderers Youth.   AFC Wembley emerged as clear winners but the final score of 4-0 didn’t do justice to Whitton Wanderers contribution to a very entertaining game.

The first half was evenly fought in terms of possession and territorially. Elliot Duffau, in the Whitton goal, impressed with his clean handling, particularly of high balls.

Wembley’s Michael Roberts released lively striker, Tofan Sarardi, with a good through ball but the latter’s ground shot was hit just outside the post. Then Michael’s low drive was deflected by a defender’s foot for a corner.

Whitton hit back with Marco de Rosa making some promising runs up the left. Charlie Collins connected well with Marco’s long lofted cross but keeper Adam Holder anticipated and saved well.

At the other end, Elliot Duffau saved a fierce low drive from Tofan Sarardi.

Tofan put Wembley ahead 11 minutes before the half-time interval by slotting home a through ball from Emmanuel Ihenacho.

The same two players reversed roles 4 minutes later. Tofan won possession on the edge of the Whitton box and fed Emmanuel who netted with aplomb.

Wembley had an opportunity to add to their lead when Edward Sesay was brought down in a dangerous position, just outside the penalty area. However, Elliot Duffau saved Shane McGuiness-Clifford’s free kick.

Half time score: AFC Wembley Youth 2   Whitton Wanderers Youth 0

Elliot saved well from Jordan Umana-Grey’s free-kick soon after the interval.

Then, an event at the other end of the field was possibly crucial in deciding the destination of the trophy. A push in the back by a Wembley defender on Whitton’s Cade Jordan, while a corner kick was being delivered, was spotted by the referee. However, unfortunately for Whitton, George Antonioni hit the top of the crossbar with his penalty kick.

Emmanuel Ihenacho lobbed over the bar after good approach work by Tofan Saradi, before Harry Leverington converted Shane McGuiness-Clifford’s cross for Wembley’s 3rd goal with 10 minutes of the match remaining.

Anthony Whyte missed an easy chance, after being set up by Tofan but he made amends in the 80th minute when he netted Dylan Noonan’s pass for Wembley’s 4th goal.

There was just time for Adam Holder to make a stunning diving save from Adam Holt before Mr. Till ended proceedings.

Final Score: AFC Wembley Youth 4    Whitton Wanderers Youth 0

The match was well controlled by experienced referee Jeffrey Till and his splendid support team.

The Guest of Honour, former President of Middlesex FA, Jim Taylor presented the medals and trophy after the match.   He selected AFC Wembley striker, Tofan Sarardi as Player of the Match.    

The attendance was 119.

AFC WEMBLEY YOUTH
Adam Holder, Anthony Anderson, Simon Teumezghi (capt), Emmanuel Ihenacho, Javier Irurzan, Michael Roberts, Younes El-Hasnoui, Jordan Umana-Grey, Edward Sesay, Shane McGuiness-Clifford and Tofan Sarardi.

Substitutes: (repeat substitutions are used in this competition) Anthony Whyte, Seb Boyd, Harry Leverington, Dylan Noonan and Arian Babatinca (gkpr).

Manager: Darren Joseph   Assistant Manager: Gary Graham

WHITTON WANDERERS YOUTH
Elliot Duffau, Amreese Dhillon, George Antonioni, James Roberts (capt), Patrick Kavanagh, Charlie Collins, Ali Haddadji, Cade Jordan, Louis Calvert, Joslin Gorleku and Marco de Rosa. 

Substitutes: Archie Horton, Andrej Dragas and Adam Holt.

Manager: Dermot Jordan   Assistant Manager: Andrea Antonioni

Referee: Jeffrey Till  Assistant Referees: Luke Partington and Bruce Attack  Fourth Official: Alf Street

Photos from the game can be found via the link below, courtesy of matchday photographer Chris Benn.