The preliminaries

NORTH GREENFORD UNITED PROGRESS IN FA VASE

Jim Taylor

Four Middlesex FA affiliated clubs competed in the 2nd Round Proper of the Isuzu FA Vase on Saturday last, 12 November.   Our roving team visited Berkeley Avenue for North Greenford United’s home tie with the recently reformed AFC Whyteleafe, who play in the Southern Counties East League Division One.

North Greenford United had reached this stage of the competition by winning 3 away matches.  They beat Ardley Town 4-1 in the 1st Qualifying Round, Broadfields United 3-2 in the 2nd Qualifying Round and Frimley Green 7-0 in the First Round Proper.   AFC Whyteleafe had dismissed Wick 3-1 away, AFC Croydon Athletic on penalties after a 2-2 away draw and Snodland Town 7-1 at home.

Whyteleafe fought valiantly and defended well but North Greenford United won this match more convincingly than the final score of 3-2 indicates.   The Blues completely dominated the first half but only had two goals to show for it, against Whyteleafe’s goal, scored from a rare attack midway through the half.   The game was a little more evenly contested after the interval but the Blues increased their lead in the 76th minute, despite being reduced to 10 men by a red card in the 67th minute.   Whyteleafe scored their second goal in the 8th minute of added time, when North Greenford were playing with 9 players, due to a sin-binning.

The North Greenford United players were accompanied onto the field by the very smart mascots provided by Harrow United FC.

The teams and mascots take the field

The 2 minutes silence before the kick off was impeccably observed.

Joe Mills takes a free kick...

North Greenford United went straight onto the offensive and in the 3rd minute a well struck free kick by skipper Joe Mills, making his 100th start for the club, rattled the visitors’ crossbar.   The Blues kept up the pressure.   Joe Mills hit the woodwork again and then a shot was cleared off of the goal line.

...and rattles the crossbar

North Greenford went ahead after 9 minutes, when Chris Martin-Thomas drove the ball home, to finish off some good approach work by Joe Mills.

Chris Martin-Thomas (far right) scores North Greenford's first goal

A good through ball released Perry Price but Leafe keeper David Boorer, made a good save at his feet.   The keeper then left his line to thwart George Harmes.

The match mascots enjoy the game

The Blues were well on top but wasted several good chances.  Two good opportunities were hit over the crossbar.

Charlie Mitchell clears the crossbar

Daniel Adjei crosses to Nile Waite (17)...

Then, in the 26th minute, completely against the run of play, the visitors equalised.   Buruk Tendros released Daniel Adjei, who progressed up the left wing and crossed for Nile Waite to hit the ball into the roof of the net.

...whose shot hits the roof of the net

A good cross from the left wing found Blues’ Ademide Baruwa, in space, beyond the back post but he shot wide.

Blues regained the lead after 40 minutes.   A good cross-field ball by Charlie Mitchell set up Perry Price, who crossed for Chris Mitchell-Thomas to head home.

Chris Martin-Thomas (in net) heads North Greenford's second goal

Whyteleafe were fortunate to go in at the interval, only one goal behind.

Score at half time: North Greenford United 2   AFC Whyteleafe 1

Joe Mills drove just past the post.   Then Leafes’ Temi Alaka set up Nile Waite, whose shot was saved by Sam House.   Nile then headed a cross from Temi over the Greenford crossbar.

North Greenford were reduced to 10 men in the 67th minute, when Nico Campbell brought down Temi Alaka and was shown the red card for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.

Nico Campbell's tackle on Temi Alaka gets the red card

The Blues remained in control, however and increased their lead in the 76th minute.   Joe Mills beat his marker and set up Harvey Killeen, who hit the ball low across the keeper, into the far corner of the net.

George Harmes crossed for substitute Harry McCorkell to test David Boorer from close range.

North Greenford were reduced to 9 players in the 90th minute, when Harvey Killeen was sent to the sin-bin for dissent.

Alfie Clarke scored a second goal for Whyteleafe in the 8th minute of added time, with a low shot from outside the penalty area.

Alfie Clarke's shot finds the net for Whyteleafe's second goal

Final Score: North Greenford United 3   AFC Whyteleafe 2

TEAM LINE UPS:

North Greenford United: Sam House, Ademide Baruwa (Mason McBride 64 mins), Sam Molyneaux, Nico Campbell, George Brown, Joe Mills (capt), Charlie Mitchell, George Harmes, Chris Martin-Thomas (Harrison Okwu 72), Harvey Killeen and Perry Price (Harry McCorkell 72) .

Unused substitutes: Ben Dunkwu, Simeon Beckford, Conner Molyneaux and Elliott Byrne.

Managers: Paul Mills and Gary Brown   Coaches: Dino Pashias and Terry Schofield   Physio: Mark Warwick.

AFC Whyteleafe: David Boorer (capt), Dani Wilson, Temi Alaka, Nile Waite (Jack Pollintine-Smith 82), Buruk Tendros, Daniel Adjei, Alton Leeward, Ivan Karaivanov (Max Owono 46), Kane Orlebar (Ibrahima Kalil Diawara 82), Jermaine Chilita and Alfie Clark.

Unused substitutes: Benas Libikas and  Ben Tilley.

Manager: Kelly Waters   Physio: Chris McCormick.

Referee: Thomas Frost   Assistant Referees: Conor Browne and Chad Greatorex.

Two of the other Middlesex clubs involved at this stage of the competition also won.

Harefield United won 3-0 at Chessington & Hook United, through goals by Richard Pacquette, Sam Shaw and Trey Pender Brown.   They are now at home to North Greenford United in the Third Round on 3rd December.

St Panteleimon overcame Sheringham at home, 3-2 in a penalty shoot-out, after drawing 3-3.   They now travel to Lincolnshire to play Pinchbeck United.

Bedfont’s run came to an end down in Sussex, against Peacehaven & Telscombe.  They opened the scoring after 22 minutes through Cyril Ocansey,  but conceded three goals in the final 10 minutes to lose 3-1. 

We thank Chris and Jim for covering another entertaining match in this seasons FA Vase, as ever the pair have reviewed Chris' photos and selected their favourites which can be view throughout the report. Chris has also very kindly provided a full album of imagery.

Chris & Jim's Picks

Full Album Courtesy of Chris Benn

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