HIGHGATE ALBION IN FA SUNDAY CUP SEMI-FINAL AGAIN
Highgate Albion’s run in this season’s FA Sunday Cup continued on Sunday last, 23rd February with an away quarter-final match against triple winners of the competition, St Joseph’s FC (Luton). So, your Roving Team travelled to Barton Rovers FC’s attractive and well-appointed Sharpenhoe Road ground, for what promised to be a stern test for Albion.
The game was originally scheduled for the previous Sunday, at Leighton Town FC but the pitch was waterlogged.
St Joseph’s FC was formed in the 1970/71 season and first entered the FA Sunday Cup in the 1987/88 season. They won the trophy in season 1994/95, repeated this success the following season and again in 2022/23. They have also been finalists on 3 occasions.
Highgate Albion reached the final in season 2021/22 and the semi-final last season.
St Joseph’s had reached this season’s quarter-finals by beating Sileby Athletic 4-1 in round 1, Ebony 1-0 in round 2, Hatch End 2-0 in round 3 and Long Whatton 5-0 in round 4.
They were drawn at home on each occasion and played at Arlesey Town FC.
Albion were also drawn at home in the first 4 rounds and disposed of Cassiobury Rangers 8-0 in round 1, Tilehurst El Patrons 9-0 in round 3 and AFC Hammersmith Town 2-1 in round 4. They had a walk-over in round 2, when North Watford found that they were unable to raise a side on the day of the match.
The appalling weather prevented this match from being a classic. The power of the frequent gusts of wind made ball control extremely difficult. The elements favoured St Joseph’s in the first half and they had the better of the play, scoring in the 32nd minute and going in at the interval well on top. The second period produced an entirely different scenario. Highgate Albion used the conditions to their advantage and scored 3 times to record an impressive victory.
There were few worthwhile efforts on goal in the first quarter. The first shot of the match was delivered by Albion’s Richard Ennin in the 13th minute after he had been released by Hermes Gbio, but was too high.
In the 25th minute a St Joseph’s free kick, taken by Jernade Meade from just outside the Albion penalty area, was caught by the wind and went high over the crossbar.
The Albion keeper, Alex Gavriloala saved at Brad Wadkins’ feet.
St Joseph’s went ahead in the 32nd minute, when Lynton Goss set up Ryan Blake to power through and drive the ball home.
St Joes pressed in search of a 2nd goal. Ryan Blake’s shot was turned for a corner by Alex, who immediately afterwards made a good low save from Lynton Goss.
Richard Ennin took the ball into the home box along the bye-line, to force a corner.
Half-time score: St Joseph’s (Luton) 1 Highgate Albion 0
Excellence Muhemba was brought down in the St Joes’ penalty area by Jernade Meade in the 50th minute. Excellence converted the spot kick to level the scores.
Lynton Goss was released up St Joe’s right and cut in to bring a good save from Alex Gavriloaia.
A vital tackle by Jernade Meade foiled Excellence, who had burst through the middle.
Excellence fired just over the bar and then home keeper, Jamie Head managed to grab the loose ball in a goalmouth melee.
Alex blocked Ben Weyman’s shot at point-blank range.
A good St Joes’ move finished with Ryan Blake netting but the goal was disallowed for a foul.
In the 70th minute, a shot by Lonit Talla was brilliantly turned over the bar by Jamie Head. The resulting corner kick, taken by Lonit was headed home by Alvin Kyeremeh to put Albion into the lead.
Albion increased their lead 3 minutes later, when another of Lonit’s corner kicks was directed by Excellence to Prince Kandolo, who headed home.
Highgate Albion, using the conditions to their advantage, were now in control of the match. They used the wind assisted long ball to keep play out of their territory as much as possible. The defence successfully repelled St Joes’ forays.
The last action of the match saw Alex Gavriloaia make a great close range save from Brad Wadkins’ diving header.
Final Score: St Joseph’s (Luton) 1 Highgate Albion 3
TEAM LINE-UPS
St Joseph’s (Luton): Jamie Head, Jernade Meade, Michael Asher, Charlie Johnson, Luke Pyman, Charley Barker, Ben Weyman (Tom Silford 79 mins), Brad Wadkins, Lynton Goss, Tom Newman (Tyrone Baker 54) and Ryan Blake (capt).
Unused substitutes: Liam Hayden, Kevin McManus and Ciaran Maher.
Manager: Andre Maltay.
Highgate Albion: Alexandru Gavriloaia, Prince Kandolo, Hermes Gbio, Jardell Stirling, Alvin Kyeremeh (Hamza Semakula 81), Lonit Talla (Pele Riley 88), Luke Alfano, Richard Ennin, Excellence Muhemba (Solomom Ofori 90+3), Isaac Stones (Danny Bassett 75) and Tage Kennedy (capt) (Callum Ismail 83) (Luke Alfano took over as capt).
Manager: Adam Shahein.
Referee: Tom Cartwright
Assistant Referees: Simon Dutton and Chaolin Tan.
Report: Jim Taylor