Croydon 3-3 Brent (aet – Brent won 4-3 on penalties)
London Schools' FA Hawke Trophy, Semi-Final
Brent’s U16 Representative Team played an away game in the semi-final of the London Cup against Croydon on Saturday 23rd January 2016.
The game began with a Brent backline of Kai Watts (Goalkeeper), Calvin Osbourne, Henry Marku, Joseph Griffiths, and wing-backs Dylan Singh and Rory Carlson. This defensive unit was tested early in the game, as Brent were being harassed and harried by a strong Croydon attack. The frantic pace of the game allowed Croydon to gain possession of the ball and the home side were soon dictating play.
Brent's play improved as the half went on but Croydon were taking full advantage of the visitors’ sluggish start, creating problems for Brent team. However, Kai Watts made some stunning early saves to keep his team level. Eventually, Brent began to gain some control and the midfield of Karmani Thomas- Lyttle, Jordon Green (captain) and Dean Toddington were all using the ball well and starting to get Nick Constantinou and Shaquille Ishmael into the game.
The game ebbed and flowed from end-to-end and after a dubious offside decision saw an Ishmael goal chalked off, Croydon hit Brent on the counter-attack and took a 1-0 lead. The game continued in the same vein, with both teams competing and playing some good football on a very difficult surface.
Half Time: Croydon 1-0 Brent
Brent showed character and started the second half with vigour and energy. However, Croydon started the second period in the same way they had played in the first half and after some good attacking play scored a second goal and leaving Brent in need of some inspiration.
However, this Brent team is full of team spirit and belief and their head didn’t drop at any stage. In fact, the two-goal deficit spurred the Brent team on, soon they gained control of the ball and were putting Croydon under huge pressure. Brent had changed formation and were playing 4-3-3. Nico Pennant was introduced at right back and was making some great runs forward and competing well. Mohammed Jahazi, and Ashlee Hibbert, who were in the attack alongside Ismael were causing the Croydon defence huge problems.
The three-man midfield of Toddington, Green and Constantinou were securing the ball with some combative play and using possession with intelligence to create opportunities for the front three. With about 20 minutes to play, Jahazi made a great run from wide right, skilfully jinking past two defenders before being brought down in the box for a penalty to Brent. Without hesitation, Singh took the ball and placed the ball on the spot before sending the ‘keeper the wrong way and slotted the ball home to make it 2-1. Game on.
Buoyed by the goal, Brent were now in the ascendency and pressing all over the pitch, the tone set by Toddington who was superb all game. With 10 minutes to go, Toddington switched the ball to Singh on the right. Singh drove forward, beating two defenders and was creating a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Singh composed himself and rounded the goalie, passing the ball into an empty net to level the match.
With normal time drawing to a close and extra time beckoning, Brent had other ambitions; Hibbert demonstrated his goalscoring instinct by venturing into the opposition penalty box as his team mounted one last attack. The ball arrived at his feet and he welcomed it with a deft first touch to manufacture a clear opportunity to score the goal that he promised the Brent coaching staff. Time stood still, the headlines were being written as his viscous, yet clean, strike of the ball conjured a goal bound shot destined for the back of the net – only to be repelled by the unbelievable reactions, agility and outstretched right arm of Croydon's heroic talent between the sticks, who is with Crystal Palace.
Full Time: Croydon 2-2 Brent
By now, Brent were flying and went into the first period of extra time with momentum and confidence. This period was dominated by Brent and after some great work by Carlson on the left, Carlson crossed the ball to Singh who with his back to goal swivelled and nestled the ball into the bottom corner to complete his hat-trick and put his team ahead.
In the second period of extra time, Croydon came back into the match and showed real spirit. In the Brent goal, Watts continued to dominate his area, making more saves, showing more bravery and more heroics. However, after some pressure from Croydon, a dangerous cross was met with a perfect header, making the score 3-3 and taking the game to penalties.
In the resultant shoot-out, Watts saved two of the home team’s spot kicks to take his team through to their second London Cup final in successive season, after winning the Under-15 competition last season. To reach the Final is a massive achievement and something the squad and coaches are all extremely proud of.
Players of the Match: Dylan Singh and Dean Toddington
Squad:Kai Watts (Claremont High School), Calvin Osbourne (Claremont High School), Dylan Singh (Queens Park Community School), Joseph Griffths (Queens Park Community School ), Nick Constantinou (Claremont High School) Dean Toddington (Queens Park Community School), Nico Pennant (Claremont High School) Henry Marku (Preston Manor),Shaquille Ishmael (Kingsbury High School), Mohammed Jahazi (Queens Park Community School) , Ashlee Hibbert (Kingsbury High School),Jordon Green (JFS), Rory Carlson (JFS)