HANWORTH VILLA’S FA YOUTH CUP RUN COMES TO AN END

Two Middlesex clubs battled through the qualifying rounds of this season’s FA Youth Cup to reach the Second Round Proper of the competition. Heartiest congratulations are due to the Under 18 teams of both Uxbridge and Hanworth Villa on this outstanding achievement.

Unfortunately, both clubs exited the competition at the Second Round stage, both losing to academy sides of EFL clubs. Uxbridge lost a seven goal thriller at home to Newport County on Monday, of last week and Hanworth Villa succumbed to AFC Wimbledon last Monday evening, 18^th November.

Hanworth Villa’s progress to the Second Round Proper was impressive. Starting in the Preliminary Round on 3^rd Sep, they overcame Harefield United 10-0 at home. They followed this up with wins in the Qualifying Competition against North Greenford United (Home 5-0), Hampton & Richmond Borough (Home 3-0) and Dover Athletic (Away 5-0). They then had an away game in the First Round Proper, against EFL academy opposition in Gillingham, who they beat 3-2.

Villa produced a gritty performance on Monday last, against AFC Wimbledon at a packed and atmospheric Ranch. However, they were soon forced onto the back foot, following a dominating and productive opening spell by their opponents.

Dylan Adjei-Hersey had a couple of early attempts for the visitors. His shot from the edge of the penalty area was deflected for a corner and then home keeper, Harry Cawdron smothered the ball at his feet. Harry was then further tested by David Fisher at the end of a penetrating run.

AFC took the lead from the penalty spot in the 10^th minute, after David Fisher was brought down in the box. The kick was taken by Issac Olaniyan, who smashed the ball powerfully over Harry Cawdron into the top of the net.

Hassan Habimsana forced AFC custodian, Matt Cox into a diving save before Harry was back in action again, saving Elliott Bolton’s well placed shot.

Husuyin Biler doubled AFC’s lead in the 23rd minute, with a shot into the bottom corner, following some neat approach work by skipper Archie Proctor, Dylan Adjei-Hersey and Jack Currie.

AFC kept up the pressure. Issac Olaniyan burst through the middle but was thwarted by a fine save by the advancing Harry Cawdron. Then Harry got a sufficient touch to divert a goal-bound effort by Olukayode Osu.

The visitors effectively killed the match off with a third goal in the final moments of the first half. Osu seized on a miskick by a defender to prod the ball in from close range, despite Harry’s attempts to reach it.

Half time score: Hanworth Villa 0 AFC Wimbledon 3

Villa skipper, Teo Kurtaran, raised the home side’s hopes in the 6^th minute of the second half, when his lofted free kick from wide on the left eluded keeper Matt Cox to reduce the arrears.

This goal heralded Villa’s best period of the match, during which Teo was only just wide with a chance to further reduce the arrears. However, the AFC defence was solid and they soon resumed control. Harry was forced into more saves and David Fisher skimmed the Villa cross-bar.

David Fisher won the ball from a defender in the 78^th minute and netted to make the score 4-1 to AFC. He then netted again from close range but that score was ruled out for offside.

AFC were now completely in control and in the 84^th minute Quaine Bartley set up Dylan Adjei-Hersey, to complete the scoring from close range.

Final score: Hanworth Villa 1 AFC Wimbledon 5

Hanworth Villa played some good football in this game and shouldn’t let their eventual defeat detract from their previous excellent achievements in the competition.

This victory has earned AFC Wimbledon a 3^rd Round tie against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

TEAMS:

Hanworth Villa: Harry Cawdron, Jonathan Gjoshe, Tahir Carmichael, Bryant Akono Bilongo, Declan Skura, Christopher Stokes, Hassan Habimana, Teo Kurtaran (capt), Kevin Nyarko, Connor Manning (Tyler Houston-Taylor 67 mins) and Tumelo Makobe.

Manager: Nigel James Assistant Manager: Cecil Nyarko Coach: Luke Medley

GK Coach: Sam Gostage.

AFC Wimbledon: Matt Cox, Jack Currie, Issac Ogundere, Archie Proctor (capt), Husuyin Biler, Elliott Bolton, Olukayode Osu (Kwaki Frimpong 80 mins), Issac Olaniyan, Julian Sarimento-Ramirez (Quaine Bartley 65 min), David Fisher and Dylan Adjei-Hersey (Josh Hallard 85 mins).

Manager: Rob Turvey Assistant Manager: James Oliver Pearce Coach: Shae Jackson Physio: Jenna Richards.

Referee: Jonathan Creswick Assistant Referees: Michael Cohen and Lee Woods (all Surrey FA).

click here For a full selection of match photography, courtesy of chris benn