WEST DRAYTON WIN UNDER 12 TROPHY FINAL
The final of the Middlesex FA Jim Taylor Under 12 Trophy was played on Sunday, 19th May at Rectory Park. This competition was introduced to provide an extra level, with an increased chance of success, for the boys’ teams of Middlesex affiliated clubs, playing in the lower divisions of their leagues. This is the third season that this final has been held. Although the competition commenced in season 2020-21, only one round could be played that season, before the arrival of the covid pandemic.
This season’s final was between West Drayton Youth Yellow, who play in the Premier Elite Division of the Middlesex Youth League and Sandgate Youth, who play in Division 5 of the Surrey Youth League.
The holders of this trophy were Sport London E Benfica, who beat Whitton Wanderers Youth Eagles 7-2 in last season’s final at Rectory Park.
43 teams entered this season’s competition.
Coincidentally, both of the competing teams were given a bye in the first round and were then drawn at home in all of the subsequent rounds.
West Drayton Youth Yellow reached the final by beating Ickenham Youth Blue 9-0 in round 2, Acton Ealing Whistlers Youth Red 3-1 in round 3, Pinner United White 7-1 in the quarter-final and Kefa Football Club in a penalty shoot-out, following a 2-2 draw in the semi-final.
Sandgate Youth beat Sandgate Youth Colts 4-1 in round 2, Brook House Youth White 2-0 in round 3, Panthera White 2-1 in the quarter-final and Limitless Football 2-1 in the semi-final.
Matches in this competition are 9 a side, with rolling substitutes employed and are played over 30 minutes in each half.
West Drayton had the better of the exchanges in the first half but didn’t score until the 25th minute. They then scored twice more in the next 3 minutes, to lead 3-0 at the interval. The second half was goalless until the 21st minute, when Sandgate reduced the deficit from the penalty spot.
West Drayton seized the initiative immediately after the kick off and Datis Masoule fired into the side netting. Then Reggie Callier headed against the post from a corner.
Sandgate goalkeeper, Dayan Adaji saved Reggie’s low shot and then took his corner kick high up.
David Galla made a run up the wing and fed Datis, whose shot was saved by Dayan.
Reggie’s shot was deflected into the side netting by a defender and another of his low shots was saved by Dayan. Dayan then leapt twice to take Reggie’s crosses.
Sandgate played a good one-two, involving Archie Fitzwater and a colleague but the West Drayton keeper fielded the ball. It was almost impossible to identify Sandgate players from their shirt numbers, because these were invisible against the stripes on their shirts.
Sandgate captain Casey Loran hit a long shot wide.
Dayan saved from Bobby Dunbar and then from David Galla.
David scored West Drayton’s first goal in the 25th minute by netting, when Dayan failed to hold Bobby Dunbar’s high cross under pressure.
David Galla scored the second West Drayton goal. with a low drive, less than 2 minutes later.
David completed his hattrick, almost immediately, by hitting the ball high into the net.
West Drayton keeper, George Eyles was brought into the action, saving Zacharry Guerin’s high shot.
Dayan saved at Datis’ feet and then dived to stop Reggie Callier’s long shot.
Half-time score: West Drayton Youth Yellow 3 Sandgate Youth 0
Sandgate conceded an indirect freekick in their penalty area, in the opening minutes of the second half, when the keeper handled a back pass. Reggie Callier’s shot was deflected for a corner.
Dayan turned Datis’ header for a corner.
Sandgate’s Yazid Hamad shot wide.
The West Drayton players continued to keep Dayan and his defence busy but they didn’t add to their score. Reggie Callier had several shots, which were either saved or blocked. Jeremy Ware worked through but Dayan saved bravely at his feet. Datis Masoule, David Galla, Johnathan Ware and Oliver Jaworski also had unsuccessful scoring attempts.
Sandgate scored in the 21st minute of the half. Casey Loran was tripped in the penalty area. He took and converted the spot kick.
This prompted a spell of Sandgate aggression. In one attack they had several shots blocked. I make no apologies for being unable to identify the players involved. They didn’t manage to further reduce their deficit.
Final score: West Drayton Youth Yellow 3 Sandgate Youth 1
The referee, Franky Wheeler had a very good match. He and his colleagues controlled the proceedings firmly and without fuss.
I performed a dual role for this match. In addition to writing this report, I was privileged to perform the duties of the Guest of Honour. I had the pleasure of being introduced to the teams and officials before the match and of presenting the trophy and individual mementoes afterwards. I chose the West Drayton striker, David Galla, as Player of the Match. I was also pleased to present a match ball to David to commemorate his hat-trick.
TEAM LINE-UPS:
West Drayton Youth Yellow: George Eyles, Teddy Sweetman, Datis Masoule, Jeremy Ware, Cruz Bains, Reggie Callier, Kenny Best, Bobby Dunbar (captain) and Oliver Jaworski.
Rolling substitutes: Oliver Parkinson, Johnathan Ware, Jenson Jones and David Galla.
Manager: Nikki Martin
Coaches: Stanley Callier and Phil Martin
Physio: David Payne.
Sandgate Youth: Dayan Adaji, Alfie Nicholls, Tommy Keary, Aayan Ali, Muzzammil Ajubi, Zacharry Guerin, Rupert Henderson, Casey Loran (captain) and Yuvraj Chhina.
Rolling substitutes; Harvey Khan, Archie Fitzwater, Yazid Hamad, Tommy Gibbs and Alfie Ndinguri.
Manager: Scott Loran
Assistant Managers: Jack Munro-Cox, Joe Loran and Sean Beyaz
Physio: Zak Loran.
Referee: Franky Wheeler
Assistant Referees: Nikodem Klosknski and Zaky Ellis
Fourth Official: Elliot Churcher.
Attendance: 158.
Report: Jim Taylor
Photography: Chris Benn