UXBRIDGE WIN MIDDLESEX SENIOR CHARITY CUP
The final of this season’s Middlesex Senior Charity Cup, between Uxbridge and North Greenford United, was played at Bedfont Sports FC on Thursday evening, 16th May, which appropriately was Middlesex Day. The proceeds from the match will go to Middlesex FA’s Charity Partner, Ealing Foodbank.
The Senior Charity Cup was first played for in season 1901-02, when it was won by Clapton Orient. It is the third oldest of the current Middlesex FA competitions, after the Senior Challenge Cup and the Junior Cup. Hayes FC have won it on the most occasions (15).
Uxbridge have been victorious 8 times and have been finalists 9 times. Their last final victory was in season 2021-22. North Greenford United have won the trophy once, in season 2009-10.
The holders were Broadfields United, who beat Northwood 1-0 in last season’s final at the Honeycroft, the home of Uxbridge.
16 teams entered this season’s competition.
Uxbridge FC was formed in 1871 and currently play at Step 4, in the Isthmian League South Central Division. North Greenford United FC was formed in 1944 and play at Step 5, in the Combined Counties Premier Division North.
Uxbridge reached this season’s final by beating Edgware & Kingsbury 2-1 away in round 1, Ashford Town (Middlesex) 3-2 at home in the quarter-final and the holders, Broadfields United in a penalty shoot-out, following a 1-1 draw in the semi-final.
North Greenford United beat Hillingdon Borough 3-0 at home in round 1, received a walk-over in the quarter-final against Rayners Lane and then beat Harefield United 3-1 at home in the semi-final.
The teams served up a skilful and exciting final which was an excellent example of good non-league football. Although both sides had chances, the first half was goalless. Uxbridge took the lead 5 minutes after half-time and consolidated their position with around two minutes of normal time remaining. North Greenford United pulled a goal back in the closing seconds.
Both sides started the match playing attractive passing football. There were a few half-chances in the opening stages. The closest effort came from Uxbridge’s Ezra Ndukuba, who fired across goal from the right.
In the 15th minute, North Greenford’s custodian, Jacob Ballheimer, dived to save a curling drive by Elijah Anthony, from around 25 yards.
Blues’ striker, Harvey Killeen was set up by some good approach work but he shot narrowly wide. Harvey went close again with a half volley from inside a crowded box.
Ezra Ndukuba had a chance for the Reds, with Jacob out of his goal but Sam Brown saved the situation with a last-ditch tackle at the expense of a corner.
Tomasz Siemienczuk’s header from a corner was taken by Uxbridge keeper, George Legg.
United’s defenders made some timely clearances. Alex Witham intercepted a pass and made ground but was crowded out. Then Troy Walters experienced a similar situation.
Elijah Anthony’s curling shot dipped just too late and landed on the top of the Blues’ net.
George Legg leapt to take Taylor Myles’ high shot.
Half time score: Uxbridge 0 North Greenford United 0
Each side had an attempt on goal soon after the break. Jacob Ballheimer saved Elijah Anthony’s header and Harvey Killeen just skimmed the Uxbridge bar.
Uxbridge took the lead in the 50th minute, through Troy Walters, who was set up by Ezra Ndukuba’s chip.
Troy Murray’s low shot didn’t unduly trouble Jacob and then Alex Witham drove just wide.
Taylor Myles’ freekick into the Uxbridge box didn’t attract a touch. George Harmes’ shot ricocheted off Jack Mullen for a corner.
A fracas in the 78th minute was quickly dealt with by the referee, with the issue of a caution for each side,
Taylor Myles just cleared the Red’s crossbar from outside the box.
Uxbridge scored their second goal in the 87th minute. Troy Murray was tripped by Daniel Wishart around 30 yards from goal. Alex Witham hit the post with the resulting freekick and Troy Walters eventually netted.
5 minutes of added time was announced.
Daniel Wishart’s shot was deflected for a corner.
Elijah Anthony volleyed wide from a long ball into the Blues’ penalty area.
Taylor Myles fastened onto Morgan Cooper’s pass and placed the ball wide of the keeper to score a consolation goal for the Blues in the last minute.
Final score: Uxbridge 2 North Greenford United 1
The standard of officiating was entirely appropriate to the occasion. To quote the Middlesex Referees’ Academy Liaison Officer, Liam Walshe: “I was impressed by the level of fitness, decision making and overall control of the game. Messrs Shimmin, Healy, Rafique and Fernandes ensured that the game was about ‘The Game’ and not about them.
Middlesex FA Vice Chairman, Doug Douglas, was the Guest of Honour and was introduced to the teams and match officials before the kick-off and then presented the cup and mementoes after the game. Doug chose Uxbridge striker Troy Walters as the Player of the Match.
Our thanks are given to Terry Reader and his colleagues at Bedfont Sports. FC, for allowing us to use their fine facilities and for the hospitality which they provided on the night.
Our thanks are also given to the members of the Middlesex Wing RAF Cadet Band, under the direction of Wing Bandmaster Sgt Daniel Hill RAFAC, who entertained the crowd before the match and during the half time interval.
The attendance was 216.
TEAM LINE-UPS
Uxbridge: George Legg, Troy Murray, Bryan Taylor, Alan Hedley (captain), Jack Mullan. Lewis Cole, Wilson Chingoka, Alexander Witham, Troy Walters (Alexander Paine 90+3 min), Elijah Anthony and Ezra Ndukuba (Princewill Ogunmekan 85).
Unused substitutes: Glenn Yala, Shaun Preddie and Johnny Allotey.
Manager: Danny Edwards
Assistant Manager: Fred Cummings
Coaches: Martin Kuhl, Luke Brooks-Smith, John Carroll and Sherafgen Mughal
Physio: Joseph Peacock.
North Greenford United: Jacob Ballheimer, Keegan Bloom, Samuel Brown, Daniel Wishart, Joe Gritt (captain), Joe Mills, Mitchell Dunstall (Callum Coen 72), George Harmes (Josh Quadry 83), Tomasz Siemienczuk (Morgan Cooper 72), Harvey Killeen and Taylor Myles.
Unused substitutes: Luke Baldwin and Tommy Mills.
Managers: Paul Mills and Gary Brown
Coaches: Tom Ford and Dom Cassells
Physio: Aishling O’Byrne.
Referee: Adam Shimmin
Assistant Referees: Thomas Healy and Ahmad Rafique
4th Official: Silvio Fernandes.
Report: Jim Taylor