MFA Photographer, Chris Benn focussed on the first of the Middlesex Premier Cup semi-finals, on Tuesday last   Both teams in this match, Rayners Lane and St Panteleimon, are currently members of the First Division of the Spartan South Midland League.

St Panteleimon were worthy winners of a hard fought and frequently explosive contest, which needed the strong refereeing which it received.   Although the visiting side largely dominated play, they had difficulty in translating their superiority into goals.

After squandering several opportunities, the visitors eventually took the lead in 44^th minute, when Javonne Molloy headed home a free kick from the right.   This advantage didn’t last very long before the hosts equalised in added time at the end of the half.   The St Panteleimon defence appeared to stop playing, as if they were expecting a whistle, allowing Courtney Austin to run through and score.

The second period followed a similar pattern to the first with the scores remaining level until the 87^th minute, when Guilherme Monti scored with a well struck drive.   Courtney Massay, who had previously hit an upright, then consolidated his side’s victory, when he ran through and netted, evading a lunging tackle in the process.

Final score:  Rayners Lane 1   St Panteleimon 3

St Panteleimon’s opponents in the final will be Kensington & Ealing Borough, who beat FC Deportivo Galicia 3-2 in a thrilling second semi-final.

Our official photographer Chris Benn, as ever, has provided some fantastic imagery from the game. If using these photos please give credit.

Chris has selected 10 highlight images which can be found here.

Readers wishing to view the full gallery of images can find these here.