Under-14 Team too strong for Inner London

Middlesex 4-0 Inner London

The Middlesex Schools’ FA Under-14 squad put on their best performance of the season and were rewarded with a superb victory against Inner London. The squad had been ravaged by a flu bug that led to three players withdrawing from the squad on the morning of the game, which seemed to galvanise the team.

Straight from the kick off, midfielder Gareth Balekomoso made a surging run and threaded the ball to Reece Weekes. Weekes outpaced his marker and curled the ball into the top corner to give the Seaxes the lead.

Middlesex began to win the midfield battle and Kieran Ali linked up with midfield dynamo Kyle Mathews whose sizzling drive skimmed the top of the bar. Middlesex doubled their lead with a contender for goal of the season. Middlesex keeper Mack Ndja released Michel Adjei down the right. Adjei threaded the ball in field to Rahzir Smith-Jones who slipped the ball to Weekes on the left wing. Weekes sent in an inch perfect cross which Ali Alanezey volleyed first time into the net.

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Inner London fought back and Middlesex left back Ben Sullivan looked very solid at the back. .Debut boy William Lahti showed great composure and pace marshalling the defense and breaking up attacks. Tommy Lahti was brought on to bolster the midfield and he passed to Smith-Jones who unleashed an unstoppable 30 yard drive into the top corner to make the score 3-0.

After the break, Inner London looked to stage a comeback and keeper Joe Ringer made a fine save to keep the visitors at bay. The match developed into an end-to-end contest as both teams pressed for a decisive goal. Kieran Ali played an inch perfect ball to Alanezey who skilfully dribbled past his marker only to be floored in the box for a penalty. Kyle Mathews stepped up to take the spot kick but the visiting ‘keeper made a superb save to keep Inner London in the game. Sensing this might trigger a comeback, Inner London went into “all out  attack” mode but William Lahti again made a timely interception and Middlesex could breathe again.

Keiano Josephs was brought on to boost the attack and the pacey striker made a huge impact pressing the London defense to win the ball before unselfishly passing to Ali who calmly slid the ball into the net off the far post to make the score 4-0 and wrap up the match. Middlesex coach Chris Ampofo stated: “Our motto is the star of the team is “The team” and it really was a superb team performance today. I’m really proud of all of them” 

Middlesex-  William Lahti,  (Newman) , Leo Grace Captain (Finchley),  Joe Ringer,  Rahzir Smith-Jones, Ben Sullivan (Harefield), Kiran Ali (  Kingsbury), Gareth Balekomoso, Michael Adjei, Reece Weekes (St Gregs )   Mack Ndja (  St Thomas More ),  Kyle Mathews (Wembley High) Keiano Josephs (Claremont).