Islington proved too strong for their neighbours
THE wind and the rain didn’t stop talented young footballers from across north London from putting on a show on Saturday at St Aloysius Playing Fields in Haringey.
Neighbours Camden and Islington played out an entertaining eight-goal thriller in Group A of the Inner London County Schools FA Kay Trophy.
Islington raced into the lead within a minute of the kick-off when a rasping effort from Travis Chilard-Martin ricocheted off two defenders before flying into the back of the net.
The Reds then doubled their lead midway through the half courtesy of an exquisite finish from Khamil Hall-Daniels who hit the target from all of 20 yards.
The Year 6 primary schools’ clash looked like it was going to be a very one-sided affair when Zachery Muir played a well-weighted through-ball for Chilard-Martin, who quickly adjusted his feet and neatly finished to give Islington a commanding 3-0 lead.
However Camden reignited the tie in spectacular style when Isiah Kingsley Tuabanzulua scored with a superbly timed volley.
Camden almost pulled another goal back before half-time, too, but Islington captain Roman Kendle managed to block out the danger.
Two quick-fire goals in the second half saw Islington put the game out of Camden’s reach. First George Gonggrijp pressed the ball well, regaining possession before driving home a right-footed finish.
Camden fought back in the cup tie’s second half
A minute later, Evan Daniel made it 5-1 with a composed dink over the keeper from just inside the area.
Camden, though, were never going to just give up, and deservedly pulled two goals back in quick succession. Tuabanzulua grabbed his second of the game with a strong carry and drive, before Ylli Krasniqi’s clinical finish brought the score back to 5-3.
Despite some late pressure, however, Camden were unable to add to their scoring and the game ended with Islington netting a vital win.
“It’s good to get the win in our first competitive game,” said Islington head coach Michael MacNeill, who also works as a football development manager with the Islington Football Development Partnership – a joint project run by the Islington Council Leisure Team, GLL and Arsenal in the Community.
He added: “We were in control of the game quite early on but Camden’s attacking players gave us some problems, so it made for a very entertaining match.”
Pulling plenty of positives, Camden manager James Williams said: “Congratulations to Islington for the win, they played a great game.
“We showed great courage and quality to get back into the match after a difficult start. We put in a super team performance in the second half and there are lots of positives to take for the rest of the season.”
Both Camden and Islington will continue their quest to top Group A and reach the knockout stages of the Kay Trophy with games either side of Christmas against South London and Greenwich.
