NW LONDON WIN THE MIDDLESEX INTERMEDIATE CUP
The Intermediate Cup final, the tenth of this season’s Middlesex FA Finals was played on Wednesday, 27th April at Berkeley Fields, the home of North Greenford United FC. The teams involved were NW London and Brentham, both of which play in the Premier Division of the Middlesex County League. The evening’s events were covered by our roving team of Chris Benn (photographer) and Jim Taylor (reporter).
The Middlesex Intermediate Cup was first contested in season 1930-31, when Enfield were the winners. They won it the following season too. 18 teams entered this season’s competition.
Both NW London and Brentham received byes in round 1 and had walkovers (against Edmonton Rangers Wolves and Bush Hill Rangers respectively) in round 2.
NW London then beat Staines Lammas (2-0 away) in the quarter final and Ava Football Club (3-0 home) in the semi-final. Brentham defeated AFC Hayes Reserves (6-0 home) in the quarter final and Spartans Youth (3-1 away) in the semi-final.
The game was disappointing. Perhaps expectations were too high! NW London led the Middlesex County League Premier Division by 3 points from Brentham, who were in second place with a game in hand. Unfortunately, the anticipated battle for supremacy did not happen. NW London, who served up some skilful passing football, outplayed Brentham on the day. They dominated possession almost throughout the match. They were 2-0 up at the interval and added another in the second half. The margin of victory did not flatter them.
The individual skill and ball control of the NW London players immediately impressed. Their passing was neat and they generally kept the ball on the ground. Apart from during a brief early spell, Brentham were unable to mount a threatening attack during the first half, while NW London created a number of scoring chances.
An early attack by NW London was ended by Brentham’s Evander Afonso, who blocked Jeferson Clemente’s shot.
A dangerous corner, taken by Brentham’s Daniel Vincent on the right was headed behind by a defender. Daniel then took the resulting corner kick from the left, which was headed clear.
Several NW London attacks followed. A good team move, in the 10th minute released Solomon Ofori, who shot just wide. Bruno Da Silva hit a free kick from 25 yards into the wall.
NW London took the lead in the 18th minute, through Kaue Da Silva, who finished another incisive move from close range.
Jeferson Clemente set up Cheik Zidouemba, whose shot was brilliantly saved by Brentham keeper Conor Smart. Then, Cheik worked his way through the defence but Conor again foiled him.
Harry Hopkins had a shooting chance for Brentham following a free kick on the left but he was off target.
A mix up in the Brentham defence, in the 40th minute, allowed NW London to increase their lead. Joao Praes hit the ball into the unguarded net, with the keeper stranded.
Joao then crossed for Jeferson Clemente but Conor Smart saved his shot.
Score at half time: NW London 2 Brentham 0
The second half followed a similar pattern. NW London remained in control but did not capitalise on their possession. Jeferson broke clear down the right but shot across goal and beyond the far post. Solomon Ofori, in space, also shot wide.
Brentham hit a couple of long free kicks into the NW London penalty area but they were repelled.
Jeferson set up Joao but Conor saved at his feet. Kaue Da Silva shot wide. Solomon Ofori’s run into the box was halted by a well-timed tackle by Connor Hearn.
Solomon Ofori slipped the ball into the Brentham net to finish some good approach work in the 89th minute of normal time
Brentham pressed during the later stages of normal time and the 8 minutes of added time, forced some corners and worked NW London keeper Charles Casey.
Final score: NW London 3 Brentham 0
Referee Thomas Wyatt and his colleagues controlled the proceedings admirably, maintaining the high standard of refereeing that has been displayed at this season’s finals.
The Guest of Honour for this match was Oisin, an ambassador of TeamFeePay, who in partnership with Veo, are supporting this season’s Middlesex FA cup finals. Oisin was introduced to the teams before kick off and made the cup and medal presentations at the end of the match.
Oisin selected NW London striker, Kaue Da Silva as Player of the Match.
Our thanks are due to North Greenford United for allowing us the use of their fine facilities for our final, for the second time this season and for their superb hospitality. The attendance was 137.
NW LONDON: Charles Casey, Renzo Alves, Bruno Da Silva (capt), Marcos Dos Santos, Jonathan De Moura, Cheik Zidouemba, Jeferson Clemente, Kaue Da Silva, Joao Praes, Solomon Ofori and Emerson Pilonetto.
Rolling substitutes: Diogo Jesus, Darlyson Goncalves, Michael Dappah, James Allen and Euprapy Kalonga.
Manager: Wasim Khan Coaches: Samir Naji and Gianni Schettino Physio: Danielle Oghuebu.
BRENTHAM: Conor Smart, Luis Sampaio, Zach Smart, Lewis Hayward (capt), Evander Afonso, Harry Hopkins, Ben Purkiss, Daniel Vincent, Hubert Adamek, Dale Malcolm-Adams and Ed Clements.
Rolling substitutes: Jordan Haynes, Connor Hearn, Rhys McCarthy-Jones, Daniel Higgins and Trevor Elliott.
Manager: Michael Buckley Coaches: Rickie Ryder and Jamie Cuttica.
REFEREE: Thomas Wyatt ASSISTANT REFEREES: Simon Cudner and Adam Hussey FOURTH OFFICIAL: Ricky Ansher.
We thank Chris & Jim for giving up their Wednesday Evening to join us at North Greenford United. They have selected shots from some of the key moments throughout the match, which are displayed throughout the report. Chris has also very kindly provided a full album of imagery.