THE FIRST MIDDLESEX FA YOUTH TROPHY FINALS ARE PLAYED
The first ever finals of our new competitions for the boys’ teams of Middlesex affiliated clubs, playing in the lower divisions of their leagues, were played at Rectory Park on Sunday, 15th May. These competitions were introduced to provide an extra level, with an increased chance of cup success for these teams. They were planned to commence last season and a round was actually played before the arrival of the pandemic. There are 3 trophies, at U12, U13 and U14 level.
Our second match of the day was the final of the Richard Stiles U13 Trophy between Enfield Town Youth and Kinja Youth Red.
44 teams entered this season’s competition.
Enfield Town Youth received a bye in the first round and then progressed to the final in an emphatic manner. They defeated Chiswick Youth Meadonians White 15-0 away in round 2, Venceremos Red 13-0 away in round 3, Northwood Youth White 12-0 at home in the quarter-final and Omonia Youth Green 4-1 at home in the semi-final.
Kinja Youth Red also had an impressive run to the final. They beat Wealdstone Youth Blue 7-1 away in round 1, Chiswick Youth Meadonians Red 6-2 at home in round 3, West Drayton Youth Red 6-1 away in the quarter-final and Larkspur Rovers Youth White 5-0 in the semi-final. They had a walkover against Ruislip Rangers Green in round 2.
Enfield Town Youth play in the Watford Friendly League and Kinja Youth in the Harrow Youth League.
Matches in this competition are played over 35 minutes each half.
Unfortunately, the promised rain arrived before kick off and persisted throughout the match, making conditions very unpleasant. The enthusiasm of the players was not affected and a very even and exciting match developed. Kinja took an early lead and dominated the match until, with the half time break approaching, Enfield equalised, only for Kinja to regain the lead in first half added time. Enfield made the score 2-2 after 15 minutes of the second half but Kinja snatched a win in added time.
Kinja Youth took the lead in the 7th minute, when Lucas Crossley burst through the middle, outpaced the defence and netted.
Kinja continued on the offensive. Amar Bowen progressed up the right wing but his ball across goal didn’t attract a touch. Then Blake Harrison sped up the left but again nobody made contact with the cross. Christiano Watrice made a run but his centre was cleared. Liam Janoudi burst through but his shot was deflected for a corner.
Kinja’s Eric Valderrama crossed but the ball bounced awkwardly for Christiano Watrice, who was unable to obtain the power to beat keeper, Dino Andreou. Dino then saved a well struck shot from Eric.
Enfield started to come into the match as it progressed. Kinja keeper, Mike Johnson palmed out a wide free kick from Adrian Sadrija. He then dealt comfortably with a long shot from Aaron Downes.
Enfield equalised in the 35th minute, when Pierce King netted a loose ball following a corner.
Kinja regained the lead during added time, through Liam Janoudi, whose lofted free kick from at least 30 yards carried straight into the net.
Score at half time: Enfield Town Youth 1 Kinja Youth Red 2
Enfield’s Adrian Sadrija brought a good save from CJ Okosi, with a shot directed towards the top corner of the net.
Kinja defender, Pascal Augustin went up-field and connected with a corner but failed to get the required direction into his header.
Enfield Town launched a series of attacks. A good cross from Pierce King was headed just wide by Aaron Downes. Ebuka Sullyanna released Pierce, whose centre was taken by the keeper. Pierce’s free kick into the box caused problems and produced a corner. Then Kinja keeper, CJ Okori received a caution, when he left his box to bring down an attacker.
The Kinja goalkeeper conceded a penalty in the 50th minute by pushing an Enfield attacker in the back at a set piece. The kick was converted by Patrick Stachow.
Then Patrick won the ball in the Kinja box and went close with his shot.
A long shot from Calum Gardner just cleared the Enfield bar.
Enfield launched more dangerous attacks. Twice centres from Nathan Luool were headed over the bar and then a free kick into the penalty area by Adrian Sadrija was taken high by the keeper.
Amar Bowen won the match for Kinja, with a low cross shot in the 1st minute of added time.
Final score: Enfield Town Youth 2 Kinja Youth Red 3
Referee Stuart McNaughton and his team controlled the proceedings admirably. They formed a very efficient team.
It was originally intended that Richard Stiles, a long serving stalwart of Middlesex Youth football, whose name this trophy bears, would attend as Guest of Honour. Unfortunately, Richard was unavailable.
Steve Grover, the Middlesex FA Finance Director, took the role on. Steve was introduced to the teams and the match officials before the match and presented the Trophy and individual mementoes afterwards. He chose Kinja’s influential midfielder, Lucas Crossley, as Player of the Match.
The attendance was 198.
Enfield Town Youth: Dino Andreou, Pierce King, Aydin Salim, Ethan Moore, Emre Mistiki, Patrick Stachow (capt), Ebuka Sullyunna, Adrian Sadrija, Eser Mistiki, Nathan Luool and Aaron Downes.
Rolling substitutes: Jaidan Brown, Evan Falcon and Kevin Koroni.
Manager: Umit Mistiki Coach: Marcello Devizio.
Kinja Youth: Michael Johnson, Blake Harrison, Zacharie August, Pascal Augustin (capt), Tuvia Agwu, Calum Gardner, Eric Valderrama, Liam Janoudi, Karim Simmons, Amar Bowen and Christiano Watrice.
Rolling substitutes: CJ Okosi (goalkeeper), Dorell Murray, Idhant Narang, Shrey Analyias and Lucas Crossley.
Manager: Michael Cooper-Ashley Coach: Mihai Lepadatu.
Referee: Stuart McNaughton Assistant Referees: Ben Sumner and Richard Coker Fourth Official: Darren Mbiro.
Once again we thank Chris & Jim for there perserverance through the inclement weather, as ever they have selected some of the key moments from the match, with Chris providing a full album of imagery from the days events.
