Brent’s Under-14 Boys’ squad celebrated their first home match at Northwick Park with a late victory over the previously unbeaten Camden & Islington.
Brent started strongly, with midfielder Michael Roberts starting a fantastic move, winning the ball then playing a one-two with Lemar Griffiths before shooting just wide.
The home side dominated possession in the first half but just could not breach the Camden defence and their inability to make their dominance count was punished on the stroke of half time. A mistake by Brent goalkeeper Ephraim Lisk resulted in a goal for Camden & Islington.
During the second half, Brent continued to play slick football. Lemar Griffiths went on an amazing run taking on 7 players with his super Messi-style feet before cutting the ball back for Sam Langan. However, somehow the Camden & Islington goalkeeper managed to keep Langan’s shot out from point-blank range.
The home side continued to seek an equaliser. Bruno Khan came close, as did Ricardo Harrison, before Zac Granger-Smith lobbed the visiting ‘keeper after running on to a through ball by Sam Langan.
The goal gave Brent additional belief that they could win the game, although Camden defended as though their lives depended on it. However, an amazing shot by Sam Langan put Brent in front with just seconds remaining in the match, securing all three points for his team.
Brent manager Dean Sylvester said afterwards: “In another game we would have scored 10 goals. Today the boys showed me the character of the team and their desire to not just ‘not lose’ but to win as well. This was a great three points.”
Team: Ephraim Lisk (Queens Park), Ibrahim Elhaouari (Wembley High), Lorcan Barnett (Queens Park), Kobe Francis (Claremont), Lemar Griffiths (Michaela Community School), Sam Langan (Wembley High), Lamarr Newby (Kingsbury High), Coren Noble-Cleary (Queens Park), Kieron Lake-Bryan (Queens Park), Bruno Khan (Queens Park), Ricardo Harrison (Queens Park),Cadell Calvin (Queens Park), Zac Granger-Smith (Queens Park), Michael Roberts (Queens Park), Pierre Clarke (Queens Park)