North Greenford United staged the Middlesex Under 18 Cup Final between Northwood Youth U17 Reds and Conquest U18, last Thursday evening.  A hard fought, skillful and highly entertaining battle was provided for the spectators by both teams and the match officials.

Tomas Kalinauskas, who was outstanding for Conquest throughout the match made a penetrating run, cut in and delivered a shot which was deflected for a corner. Then, at the other end, Kyran Worrell’s long-distance lob bounced on top of the Conquest crossbar.

Northwood right back, Ellis Wynne did well to block a dangerous shot from Omur Guller.   Conquest striker Bilal Saddique’s shot was blocked after a tricky run by Alkhidrhi Rajab had set him up.

Conquest took the lead in the 29th minute through David Bremang, who beat the offside trap, advanced up the middle and placed the ball past Northwood keeper, Sonny Wheeler.

Conquest should have increased their lead soon afterwards but Bilal hit a good pass from Samurai Evans over the top, from close range.   Tomas Kalinauskas worked himself into a good position but his shot curled away from goal.

Conquest keeper, Sami Nabbad confidently held a high shot from James Bromley-Price.   Then Sami then pulled off a staggering save.    Advancing to meet the oncoming Femi Ayeez, who had broken clear of the defence, he flung himself to his right to save Femi’s shot at full stretch.   Sami followed this up soon afterwards by saving at James Brom;ey-Prices’ feet.

The last action of the half saw Northwood midfielder, Jamie Fulton cautioned for a bad tackle after previously receiving a warning from the referee.   The resulting free kick, taken by Samurai Evans was headed for a corner.   This produced another corner which was well held, high up, by Sonny Wheeler.

Half time score: Northwood Youth 0   Conquest 1

Northwood’s strong tackling central midfielder, Michael Gowan was cautioned for a foul on David Bremang.   Samurai again took the free kick, which produced some hectic goalmouth action, concluding with a clearance off of the goal line from Tevis Panariti’s header. 

Northwood then enjoyed a period of dominance, largely inspired by skipper Connor Maher in midfield.   Connor won the ball and fed Femi, who made ground and set up Ellis Wynne, who was eventually dispossessed.   Then Connor released Femi with a clever overhead kick but keeper Sami Nabbad made a timely intervention.

Another move initiated by Connor and continued by Femi ended with a brilliant save by Sami from James Bromley-Price’s low drive.   Then Sami again saved the situation by diving at Kyran Worrell’s feet, after a pass from Femi. 

Unfortunately, Northwood’s equalising goal, scored midway through the half, was not a legitimate one.   Connor Maher provided the pass for Kyran to run into the Conquest penalty area, where he tripped.   Ellis Wynne’s penalty hit the foot of the goal post and rebounded straight back to him, without the ball making contact with another player.    Ellis then shot against the crossbar from where the ball rebounded to Femi Ayeez, who netted it.   Fortunately, this goal did not affect the final result.

Connor Maher played another ball into the Conquest box, for Femi, who was thwarted by the keeper.   Then, Conquest mounted several attacks during which Tomas Kalinauskas was prominent.  Also, Kacper Nozka made several dangerous forays up the left wing.

Tomas set David Bremang off from his own half.   The move ended with Kacper’s shot being saved.    Then Coree Palfrey’s low shot was saved and David Bremang shot narrowly wide from Tomas’s pass,

Both David Bremang for Conquest and Femi Ayeez for Northwood went close before the winning goal arrived in added time.   A low shot from Conquest winger, Zak Jama, deceived James Reilly, who had taken over in goal from Sonny Wheeler, and found the corner of the net.

Sami Nabbad made another save, at Kyran Worrell’s feet, before the final whistle.

Final Score: Northwood Youth 1   Conquest 2

The Guest of Honour, Barbara Bivens, Middlesex FA Director and Chair of the Competitions Committee, presented the medals and the cup at the conclusion of the match.    She chose Conquest goalkeeper, Sami Nabbad as Player of the Match.

Our grateful thanks are given to North Greenford United FC for allowing us the use of their fine facilities and for their tremendous hospitality throughout the evening.   The attendance was 109.

NORTHWOOD YOUTH U17 REDS
Sonny Wheeler, Daniel Cresswell, Connor Maher (capt), Callum Bedwell, James Bromley-Price, Jamike Fulton, Femi Ayeez, Ellis Wynne, Sam Netscher, Michael Gowan and Kyran Worrell.

Substitutes (repeat substitutes were used): James Reilly (GK), Anthony Amankwa, Javan Wright-Keizer and Aaron Feeney.

Manager: Mark Fox   Assistant Manager: Richard Elderfield.


CONQUEST U18
Sami Nabbad, Samurai Evans, Tevis Panariti, Coree Palfrey, Josh Krishna (capt), Tomas Kalinauskas, David Bremang, Alkhidrhi Rajab, Bilal Saddique, Ben Awuah and Omur Guller.

Substitutes: Markell Clarke, Zak Jama, Ajani Laing, Kacper Nozka and Dante Glen La Touche.

Manager: Conor Hayden   Assistant Manager: Harry Hayden.

Referee: Paul Andrews   Assistant Referees: Stephen Russell and Tiernan O’Kane   Fourth Official: Yaacov Goldin.

Photos from the game are available below, courtesy of matchday photographer Chris Benn.

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