Our Under 16 team continued their South East Counties Youth Championship programme at Uxbridge on Sunday last, with a game against their Essex counterparts. Their only previous match in the competition this season was a goalless draw against Kent at Faversham.

Uxbridge FC’s Honeycroft pitch was in its usual excellent condition, despite the amount of rain that it had absorbed in the days leading up to the match and an entertaining and skilful match ensued. Middlesex deserved their 2-0 victory against a big, strong and accomplished Essex team.

Our visitors had a chance to score inside the first minute but Toki Hassan hit his finishing shot narrowly wide. We hit back immediately. Felix Amoah intercepted an Essex pass, made a penetrating run and set up Kahlil Francis, who also shot narrowly wide.

However, Kahlil, who was dangerous throughout the game, put us ahead in the 3rd minute. He picked up a through ball from Joe Mills, who also had an excellent match in midfield and hit it over the advancing keeper into the net.

Essex almost equalised when Middlesex custodian, Thierry Thomas-Gaye, could only half stop a dangerous high ball from wide on the right. However, Phillip Essadoah saved the situation by heading the goal-bound ball off of our goal line.

Felix Amoah came close to increasing our lead in the 28th minute. Essex keeper, Ted Cattini saved Felix’s close-range shot from Matthew Dones’ cross. Felix then hit the loose ball against a post.

Ted Cattini produced another good close range save, this time from Shammar Swaby, following a fine move involving Jonno Mackrill and Kahlil Francis.

Half time score:  Middlesex 1   Essex 0

Kahlil opened the second half with another near miss. Then Essex hit back and Thierry did well to push an angled drive from Kakha Jojshelidza for a corner.

We created some further opportunities. Kahlil hit a left-footed drive across goal and past the far post. Jonno Mackrill went on a penetrating run but Ted Cattini pushed his finishing shot for a corner.

Felix netted in the 75th minute but the goal was disallowed because Kahlil was adjudged to be in an offside position. Then a point-blank header from Eisa Azab was pushed over the bar by Ted Cattini.

However, we made the game safe with 3 minutes remaining when Felix volleyed Matthew Dones’ cross home.

Referee Nigel Hickes and his Assistants, Paul Savva and Mark Sennett controlled the proceedings with efficiency and good humour.

Final Score:  Middlesex 2   Essex 0

MIDDLESEX
Thierry Thomas-Gaye, Phillip Essadoah (both Hendon Youth), Ronnie Heath (Sandgate Youth), Joe Mills (Ruislip Rangers), Matthew Lenihan (Wembley Youth), Liam Bakry (capt) (Ruislip Rangers), Felix Amoah (Wembley Youth), Eisa Azab (Brook House), Kahlil Francis, Shammer Swaby (both Hendon Youth) and Matthew Dones (Borehamwood Youth)>

Substitutes (rolling subs were used):), George Deacon (Ruislip Rangers), Jonathon Novak (Cockfosters Youth), Jonno Mackrill (Spartans Youth) and Damian Pawlak (Hanwell Town Youth) (reserve goalkeeper).

Manager: Darrel Gyngell   Assistant Manager: John Fletcher   Coaches: Wayne Little, Vince Purdue, Danny Gyngell and Remi Bignall.   Physio: Gary Strudwick. 

ESSEX
Ted Cattini (Thurrock), Bailey Hossack (capt) (AFC Hornchurch), Deolindo Lama (Chelmsford City), Jack Renwick (Brentwood Town), Byron Humbles, Thomas Duffy (both Billericay Town), Toki Hassan (Chelmsford City), Callum Owen, Josh Okipa (both Barking), Kakha Jojshelidza (Brentford Town) and Toyeeb Elegushi (St Edwards School).

Substitutes: Jack Hauser, Marlon Stratford (both Billericay Town) and James Lickford (AFC Hornchurch).

Managers: Carl Papworth and Liam Sexton.   

Our thanks are again given to Uxbridge FC for allowing us the use of their excellent facilities and for looking after us so well. We appreciate their continuing support.

See the photos