Middlesex 0-0 Surrey

South-East England Schools' FA, London Cup Group 1

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The Middlesex County FA Chief Executive Peter Clayton was in the crowd along with several professional scouts to watch impressive Middlesex put on another terrific performance but they were held by Sussex in this exciting all action SEESFA London Cup Group 1 match.

Staged on the superb 3G pitch at Capital City Academy, the match was played at a high tempo straight from the kick off. Sussex enjoyed the upper hand in the early exchanges. Middlesex made changes after the half hour, bringing on James Bromley to add more fire power in attack. The switch nearly paid dividends when Bromley side-stepped his marker and fired just wide.  The visitors’ defence was unsettled by Bromley and shortly after Cai Burrows shot just wide with a clever placed shot.

The second half was more of the same, with Middlesex pinning Sussex in their half and Sussex counter-attacking. Heroic defending by Michael Adjei, Sateesh Selvaradjou, Ruudy Kahunga and David Oppong Wiafe kept the visitors at bay. At the other end, Man of the Match Bromley caused havoc and was a constant threat, combining well with Wiktor Wachala to release Jaevon Braithwaite. Braithwaite coolly broke into the box then unleashed a fierce shot which was well saved by the Sussex keeper. It was now all Middlesex. Kyle Mathews, Burrows and Braithwaite began to dominate in midfield. Sussex parked the bus but it looked as though it would only be a matter of time before Middlesex scored. In the last minute, Selvaradjou broke from defense driving through midfield before unleashing a thirty five yard drive that flew agonisingly just over the bar. This was the final effort and the game finished with the unlikely score of nil-nil. Middlesex coach Chris Ampofo said afterwards: “What a game. The team was fantastic today. They worked their socks off. I’m very proud of them”.

Middlesex remain two points ahead of Sussex in the group table.  Sussex faces Inner London on March 12th and must win If they are to qualify for the semi-final. A Sussex loss or a draw will see Middlesex proceed to the semi-final, where they would play away to Hertfordshire. Sussex may be hot favorites but Inner London have nothing to lose so could cause an upset.

Middlesex: James Bromley (Bishop Ramsey), Wiktor Wachala (Ark academy), Toby Gould (Harrow), Dawid Chiomanowicz (Alec Reed), Joe Ringer (Harefield), Sateesh Selvaradjou (Preston Manor),  David Oppong Wiafe (Greenford),  Ruudy Kahunga ( Finchley),  Charlie Quinnell (Douay Martyrs),  Ali Alanezi – (London Academy),   Cai Burrows Capt, Michael Adjei, (St Gregorys), Olumide Akinode, Kyle Mathews (Wembley High), Keiano Joseph, Jaevon Braithwaite (Claremont).