Brent 6-1 Haringey
Middlesex Schools' FA Star Shield
Brent’s Under-15 Representative Team bounced back from an away defeat against Haringey with a thumping 6-1 victory in the reverse fixture, which was played at Capital City Academy.
Brent took the lead after 5 minutes when debutant Riyad Zeiani found Cai Burrows (pictured, left) who played a slick one-two with captain Wiktor Wachala before superbly volleying into the top corner.
Haringey fought back and a smart save from Yashil Kamdar preserved his team’s lead before Brent extended their advantage when Wachala played in Mohamed Elmabarak to fire home. Wachala then made his third assist, crossing for Burrows to blast home before getting on the score sheet himself with a contender for goal of the season. The Brent skipper hit a spectacular overhead kick to make it 4-0.
Burrows completed his hat-trick, collecting a pin point pass from Jaevon Braithwaite before unleashing a pile driver into the corner of the net and the half ended with Brent 5-0 ahead.
Haringey started the second half brightly and only superb defending from Elgi Mbete, Michael Adjei, William Lahti and debutant Carl O’ Connor kept them at bay. Jerrel Kelman-Jones and Damani Ayre were brought on to shore up the Brent midfield and the impressive Jaevon Brathwaite and Kyle Matthews began to dominate the central area screening the defence and starting Brent attacks.
Brent began to pass fluently and with ten minutes remaining Zeiani sprinted down the right and crossed for fellow Ark Academy pupil Wachala to cap a brilliant performance with a first time volley into the net. In added time Haringey scored a consolation goal but the day belonged to Brent and the game ended 6-1.
Brent coach Chris Ampofo commented: “The players worked hard in training and were rewarded with a fantastic performance today. They showed that they are improving individually and as a group. They really work hard for each each other. “
Brent face Hillingdon next week before ‘top of the table’ matches at home to Barnet on 30 April and Camden & Islington on 7 May.
Squad: Jaevon Braithwaite, Yashil Kamdar (Claremont), Mohamed Elmabarak (Ark Elvin) , William Lahti (Newman) , Elgi Mbete, Cai Burrows, Gareth Balekomoso, Michael Adjei (St Gregorys), Kyle Matthews, Damani Ayre, Carl O’ Connor (Wembley High), Jerrell Kelman-Jones (Preston Manor), Riyad Zeiani, Wiktor Wachala- Capt (Ark)
Match Sponsor: Car Giant; Supporting Grassroots Football in Brent