The County Cup Final Season is with us again and as usual, the Middlesex FA started its extensive programme, with the Jeff Ritson Senior Youth Cup, its top youth final.

The late Jeff Ritson, a President of Middlesex Youth FA, was an enthusiastic and tireless worker for all football but particularly youth football in the County. It is entirely appropriate that Jeff’s name lives on with this cup, which he donated, to be competed for by the under 18 sides of clubs at the pinnacle of Middlesex youth football.

It is also appropriate that the chosen venue for this match was Bedfont Recreation Ground, the superb headquarters of Bedfont Sports FC, a club which is unsurpassed in the development of youthful talent.

The Middlesex Senior Youth Cup was first played for in season 2000-01, when it was won by Edgware Town. Bedfont Sports won this trophy last season by defeating the previous holders, Cockfosters in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw.

This season’s final again featured Bedfont Sports, who played their Walton & Hersham counterparts, on the bitterly cold evening of Thursday, 13th March.

18 teams entered the competition this season.

The progress of both sides to the final was full of goals.

Bedfont Sports had a bye in round 1 and then recorded victories over Harrow Borough (3-2 away) in round 2, Southall (4-1 at home) in the quarter-final and Northwood (2-1 away) in the semi-final.

Walton & Hersham defeated North Greenford United (6-3 at home) in round 1, Rayners Lane (9-0 away) in round 2, Enfield Borough (in a penalty shoot-out after a 3-3 away draw) in the quarter-final and Hanworth Villa (3-2 at home) in the semi-final.

The final was a complete contrast. It was very competitive and evenly contested. However, it was dominated by the respective defences and both sides had to work hard to create openings. The only goal of the game was scored by Walton & Hersham just over midway through the first half, following an unfortunate goalkeeping error.

Walton’s keeper, Danny Ball left his penalty area to thwart Bedfont’s Lenny Milne in the 1st minute.

The Swans’ Jack Lay made a good run but the Eagles’ custodian, Marvin Wood saved at his feet.

A sortie at the other end, by Eagles’ skilful Oscar Kruczkiewicz, finished with his cross to the far post being headed away for a corner by the Swans’ Ryan Danso.

Eagles’ Jude Jakes McKay was thwarted by keeper Danny Ball, who beat him to a through ball.

Ryan Danso made a penetrating run but his final touch was too strong.

Marcus Smith scored Walton & Hersham’s goal in the 26th minute, by tapping in from close range, after Marvin Wood had failed to hold a difficult corner kick under his crossbar.

Bedfont pushed unsuccessfully for an equaliser. Charlie Bayne’s long freekick into the Swans’ box was headed wide by Jude Jakes McKay. The speedy Jude cut in from the wing but was dispossessed at the expense of a corner. Oscar Kruczkiewicz drove into the side netting.

Walton’s Michael Donnelly made an important tackle, on the 6 yard line, on striker Lenny Milne.

Danny Ball turned Jake Hewitt-Sullivan’s shot for a corner.

Half-time score: Bedfont Sports 0 Walton & Hersham 1

Marvin Wood made a trio of good stops in the early stages of the second half. He saved at point-blank range from Jack Lay and then parried low shots from Michael Donnelly and Jack Kimber.

Jack Lay fired wide from close range.

Lenny Milne headed just past the upright from Jude Jakes McKay’s cross.   

A well-timed tackle by Max Seddon on Lenny saved the situation for the Swans.

A fine move involving Harry Schramm and Jack Kimber set up Jack Lay, whose shot was blocked.

Jude’s low drive was saved by Danny Ball and Lenny Milne’s shot on the turn was narrowly wide.

Max Seddon drilled his shot past the upright, following good approach work on the left by Jack Kimber.

Oscar Kruczkkiewicz fired wide from close range.

While Bedfont pushed forward in search of an equaliser in the closing stages, Walton’s striker, Harry Schramm, who had joined the action immediately after the interval, ensured that their defence was kept occupied. He fired narrowly wide in the 3rd minute of added time. He then broke away and ran from half-way into the Eagles penalty area, pursued by Kayden Brimah, who caught and successfully tackled him.

Final score: Bedfont Sports 0 Walton & Hersham 1

The match was efficiently controlled by referee Luke Partington and his support team.

The Guest of Honour, Middlesex FA Chairman, John Taylor was introduced to the teams and match officials before the game and he presented the cup and mementoes afterwards. He chose Walton & Hersham midfielder, Ryan Danso, who had an outstanding game, as Player of the Match.

Our thanks are given to Bedfont Sports for their splendid hospitality and for allowing us the use of their excellent facilities.

The attendance was 291.

TEAM LINE-UPS

Bedfont Sports: Marvin Wood. Jake Hewitt-Sullivan, Nathan Zolnierek, Kayden Brimah, Joe Sandell (capt), Charlie Cushion, Dan Mackinney (Joe Wells 75 min), Charlie Bayne (Archie Gower 46). Lenny Milne (Eddie Voinea 66), Oscar Kruczkiewicz and Jude Jakes McKay.

Unused Substitutes: Jack Nash and Olly Morphew.
 
Manager: Mark Fabian.

Walton & Hersham: Danny Ball, Max Seddon, Oscar Dempster, Michael Donnelly (capt), Marcus Smith, Ryan Danso, Harry Foxon (James Russell 69), Joel Doherty (Jack Kimber 58), Kai Cooper (Harry Schramm 46), Jack Lay (Sam Hennessey 80) and Steve Cushing (Ibrahim Nawaz 69).

Managers: Andy Scates and Jonathan Doherty.   

Referee: Luke Partington   

Assistant Referees: Simon Smith and Steven Pordes 

Fourth Official: Harry Sweales.

Report: Jim Taylor

Photography: Chris Benn

PICKS

FULL SET