The final of the Middlesex FA Sunday Junior Trophy took place on 23rd April at Hanworth Villa’s EcoGlow Stadium. The teams involved were Omonia Youth Mens Green and Shire United Seconds. Omonia Youth Mens play in Division 6 of the Barnet Sunday League and Shire United Seconds are members of the North Surrey & Middlesex Border Sunday League.

Coincidentally last season’s final of this competition was between teams from the same leagues. Banstead Eagles, from the North Surrey & Middlesex Border League, fought back from a two-goal deficit, to win the trophy in a penalty shoot-out, following a 2-2 draw against Inter Manresa.

The Middlesex Sunday Junior Trophy was first competed for in the 1984-85 season, when it was won by Enfield Rangers Old Boys. 28 teams entered this season’s competition.
Omonia Youth Mens Green had reached the final with victories against Hillingdon Abbots Seniors Sunday Seconds in round 1 (9-3 at home), Chiswick Athletic (in a penalty shoot-out after a 2-2 away draw) in round 2, Brady (7-3 away) in the quarter-final and Harrow St Mary’s Sunday Reserves (3-1 away) in the semi-final.

Shire United Seconds had emerged victorious against Racing Keeblers Men’s XI (4-2 away) in round 1, Mill Hill Club de Futbol Second (3-0 away) in round 2, AFC Trent (5-2 away) in the quarter-final and Bedfont Sunday Reserves (4-1 at home) in the semi-final.

After an evenly contested first half, Omonia led by a single goal at the break. Shire United equalised 10 minutes into the second half but only remained on level terms for just over a minute before Omonia regained the lead through a somewhat fortunate goal. Omonia dominated the game from that point and scored 3 more times to finish as comfortable 5-1 winners.

Omonia launched an immediate attack and Shire keeper, Daniel Williamson was in action, punching out Alfonso Michael’s shot within 17 seconds.

Shires’ Bradley Wainwright fired past the far post in the 5th minute.

Charlie Constanti’s shot was kicked off of the Shire goal line by Richard Pike.

A strike by Michael Pavlou just cleared the Shire crossbar.

Christian Halmshaw put Omonia ahead from the penalty spot in the 25th minute, following a foul on Charlie Constanti.

Daniel Williamson dived to his left to save Kyriacos Charalambous’ low shot.

Bradley Wainwright’s freekick into the Omonia penalty area was nodded down by Tommy Mooney but keeper, Dren Hoti was first to the ball.

Half-time score: Omonia Youth Mens Green 1 Shire United Seconds 0

Bradley Wainwright’s shot bounced on the top of the Omonia crossbar.

Andreas Kyriacou brought down Tommy Mooney just outside the Omonia box and Dren Hoti saved low down from Ryan Curtis’ freekick.

Luke Edwards’ timely tackle dispossessed Omonia’s Cem Poyraz, who had been put through by Francesco Amato.

Shire United’s Ryan Curtis headed home from a corner kick, to level the scores in the 55th minute.

Francesco Amato immediately put Omonia back in front, after the Shire keeper had attempted to fly kick the ball and had failed to make contact with it.

Shires’ Alfie Hunt had a good scoring opportunity, when he found himself in space but he shot wide.

Kyriacos Charalambous’ well struck half volley was saved by Daniel Williamson.

United’s Ricky Farnden beat Francesco Amato to a through ball and headed back to his keeper.

However, Francesco Amato increased Omonia’s lead in the 64th minute with a well-placed shot into the top corner of the net, following good approach work by Christian Halmshaw and Charlie Constanti.

A long freekick into the United penalty area found Louis Loizou, whose header was turned over the bar by keeper, Daniel Williamson. Daniel then saved Cem Poyraz’ high shot.

Cem made the score 4-1 in the 72nd minute, after being set up by Kyriacos. 

Omonia should have further increased their lead in the 77th minute, when a break downfield found a single defender confronting 3 attackers. However, Cem’s shot hit an upright.

The Shire defence was now being overrun. Several more chances fell to Omonia. Kyriacos shot over from 25 yards and then he brought a save from the keeper after some impressive ball juggling. Bradley Wainwright was cautioned for a high tackle on Michael Pavlou and later Jamie Dobson met the same fate, following a series of dubious tackles.

Omonia’s 5th goal arrived in the 88th minute, when Anthony Pantelli’s pass set up Kyriacos to beat the stranded goalkeeper.

Final score: Omonia Youth Mens Green 5 Shire United Seconds 1

The match was very well handled by referee, Adam Hughes, who received excellent support from his team.

The Guest of Honour was Middlesex FA Councillor, Simon Cudner, who was introduced to the teams and to the match officials before the game. He also presented the trophy and individual mementoes after the match.   Simon chose Omonia striker and captain, Francesco Amato as Player of the Match.

Our thanks are given to Hanworth Villa for allowing us the use of their splendid facilities and for their kind assistance on the day.

TEAM LINE-UPS:

Omonia Youth Mens Green: Dren Hoti, Andreas Kyriacou, Kyriacos Charalambous, Francesco Amato (capt), Cem Poyraz, Louie Socratous, Marco Goumal, Charlie Constanti, Alfonso Michael, Christian Halmshaw and Michael Pavlou.

Rolling substitutes: Anthony Pantelli, Louis Loizou, Alex Loizou, Nicolas Shiamishis and Constantino Georgiou.

Manager: Andy Charalambous   

Coaches: Demi Shiamishis, Elia Constanti and Ryan Huddart.

Shire United Seconds: Daniel Williamson, Luke Edwards, Stuart Doran, Ricky Farnden, Tommy Mooney, Alfie Hunt, Nicky Bishton (capt), Bradley Wainwright, Ryan Curtis, Richard Pike and Ben Dinan.

Rolling substitutes: Jamie Dobson, Wally Downes, Scott Annear, Richard Wittekind and Dennis Long.

Manager: Gary James      

Coaches: Lee Morris, Ryan Lake and Jamie Jones   

Physio: Michael Adderley.

Referee: Adam Hughes   

Assistant Referees: Ian Skull and Jaevon Braithwaite   

Fourth Official: Reda Imane.

Attendance: 160

Report: Jim Taylor

Photography: Chris Benn

PICKS

FULL SET