COMPTON CUP
Brent U13s 3
Hillingdon U13s 1
BRENT U13s ended Hillingdon’s unbeaten record to move to the top of the table with a classy 3-1 win at Capital City Academy on Saturday.
Hillingdon had led the way going into the match, but with top-spot in their sights Brent staged a thrilling comeback thanks to goals from Amari Ofosu, Odain Donaldson and Cai Burrows.
Coach Chris Ampofo said: “The players’ hard work in training showed on the pitch today. They’re improving. They showed great team spirit and courage against a very physical team. The whole team were excellent and should take confidence from today. They showed that if you work hard for each other good things happen. I’m very proud of them.”
Brent started brightly with Ofosu and Wiktor Wachala looking lively in attack and the league leaders struggled to cope early on with the strike partnership’s skilful approach play, but it was Hillingdon who drew first blood when a neat corner caught the Brent defence napping and was turned in at the near post.
That setback did not break Brent’s attacking rhythm and they continued to dominate the midfield as they searched for a way back into the game.
The equaliser arrived on the stroke of half time when Jameil Edmonds linked up well with Burrows, who released Ofosu to race through on the goalkeeper and drill home into the bottom corner.
The Brent midfield was boosted by the introduction of Joshua Okello, Wesley Tobino and George Ndoeka at the break who all had an impact in helping tip the balance in Brent’s favour, with Okello seeing his fierce free-kick crash back off the crossbar.
Kush Garrara was kept busy in the Brent goal as the game became stretched, twice saving from close range to keep the scores level before a late surge decided the match in Brent’s favour.
Damani Ayre’s lofted cross was met powerfully by Donaldson as he nipped in front of the goalkeeper to give the hosts the lead before Burrows found space from Ndoeka’s cross-shot to volley home his second goal in two games.
Garrara came to Brent’s rescue again late on as Hillingdon produced a late rally to try and cling to their position at the top, but resolute defending from Donaldson, Michael Adjei, Caljah Simmonds and Jack Gorman limited their openings to ensure the home side leap-frogged their opponents into top-spot.
