Camden Town WFC lost out after dominating against Luton Town Reserves

THE dream of an all-north London final in the John Greenacre Memorial Trophy was shattered on Sunday following two big semi-final shocks.

Premier Division sides Camden Town WFC and Islington Borough Ladies FC had every reason to be confident going into their respective clashes against Division One outfits Luton Town Reserves and South London First.

Islington knew they were in for a tough test on their home turf at St Aloysius Playing Fields in Hornsey as they went up against a side that are set to join them in the top-flight of the Greater London Women’s League having been crowned champions and won promotion this season.

And South London proved they are more than ready for that challenge after goals from Athene McInerney and Rachael Todd earned them a 2-0 victory.

For Camden Town defeat in the final four was even more difficult to take after they had forged what looked like an unassailable lead away to Luton Town Reserves.

Town dominated the first-half at Stockwood Park Academy with goals from Maria Paz Vera, Saffron Jones and Alex Nord giving them a 3-0 lead.

But a series of errors gave the home side hope, and they staged an unthinkable comeback to win the semi-final showdown 4-3 thanks to a hat-trick from Sapphire Rohan and a goal from Sanam Shahid.

Despite admitting he was “gutted and hurt” by the defeat, Town chairman Richard Mahoney pulled the positives from what has still been a good season for the club.

He said: “Although it is bitterly disappointing to lose the semi-final from being in such a strong position, we have done extremely well this season to go on the cup runs that we have, especially after a complete rebuild of the squad last summer.

“There is plenty of work to do over the coming months to ensure we are fully prepared for next season, but for now I want so say a huge thank-you to the players and the coaching staff.

“Our failures were not for a lack of effort and I am proud of the team and this club. There is so much more to come.”

North London’s finest will now focus on wrapping up their league campaigns before a well-earned summer break.

Camden Town play their final fixture this Sunday when they travel to Headstone Manor, while Islington Borough host Regent’s Park Rangers this weekend, before also going to Headstone Manor in their last match, which is on Sunday, May 12.