Hackney and Leyton Junior cup final
Sunday March 29th 2015
Boroughs United FC vs Wojak Sunday
This final was perfectly poised as both teams have been in good form coming into this final. This is the first time both teams will meet. Wojak are in line to win division four, Boroughs still fighting in three competitions. The team pictures were out the way, both teams were ready and eager to start the game.
Team Picture
The conditions were not great, as rain and strong winds were predicted before the game. Nothing but shouting could be heard before the kick-off, the sound of both teams trying to psyche themselves up. The game kicked off, both teams were evenly matched in the early exchanges. Majority of Boroughs attacks were coming from the right hand side as they pressed Wojak high up the pitch. Wojak were pinned back but were defending well. Wojak were set up to counter, once they had possession their aim was to look for their two pacey wingers, who looked like they had energy to burn.
Midway through the first half Wojak had their best opportunity to score when a through ball was received by their winger who was now one on one with the keeper [Charlie], but a late sliding challenge from Emeka prevented the goal. Wojak also had a penalty shout, when one of their strikers threw himself to the ground claiming the keeper touched him. Nothing was given.
When in possession Boroughs moved the ball well, neat football between, Denzle [LM], Romeo [CM], Dayo [CM] and Ashley [RM]. When defending Boroughs were able to work as a unit. The defensive line was doing its job as Wojak were caught offside a number of times. The two Borough fullbacks Jason [LB] and Lenny [RB] were doing well keeping those young wingers at bay.
The first half ended nil nil.
The second half Boroughs were immediately on the front foot. The two strikers, Frost and Q, were pressing high putting pressure on the defence. Boroughs were now attacking with more intent and desire. Their play had now balanced itself out as the left side was used more, which gave Denzle the chance to test the Wojak full backs. A dual he won on more than one occasion, as he reached the by-line he crossed but no one was able to finish. Wojak’s only threat was coming from their wingers. Once Boroughs had possession they looked dangerous, Frost came close on a number of occasions. Dayo also had a few chances to score. At the back Jordan [CB} came to Boroughs rescue when a deep cross was diverted away from the Wojak winger with a delicate touch. Charlie easily dealt with all Wojak’s long range efforts. A shift in personal as Rumesh came on for Q, he went to the left of midfield and Denzle was pushed up front with Frost. The change had immediate impact as Rumesh caused problem to the defence, while Denzle linked up well with Frost.
Boroughs kept up the pressure, Emeka had two headers from corners cleared from the line, Frost also had a chance cleared from the line. Some terrific last minute defending by Wojak.
The referee looked at his watch and blew; the game was bound for extra time. Full time the score was still 0-0.
The pressure was on for both teams, Wojak knew they couldn’t just sit back and absorb all that pressure they endured in the second half. At the start of the extra time, they pushed their players forward; Boroughs defence did well to keep them at bay. All headers were won by Emeka and Jordan who both stayed strong not allowing the strikers time on the ball. 0-0 at the end of the first period of extra time.
More of the same when the second period of extra time started, Boroughs still trying to find that goal as Wojak looked to counter through their wingers. A ball was lofted in towards Frost, Frost headed it towards Dayo, Frost then made a run, Dayo beat his man and slotted it through and Ashley made a run but let it go through his legs. Frost got the ball and smashed it; the keeper got hands to it but could not keep it out. In that moment every Boroughs united player even the keeper ran to share in the celebrations. With only 9 minutes to go Clem and Fred were brought on to help see out the win.
With two minutes to go, Wojak countered on the right hand side, the winger with electric speed got away from the Fred and Ashley. Emeka came over to cover as he got in the box. He shot, Emeka blocked his first attempt, the ball came back to him, he shot again and this time it took several deflections before sneaking in the near post. It was 1-1 and only moments to spare. Final whistle 1-1.
Tense! Team watch as Frost takes his penalty
The cup would be decided by penalties. Denzle stepped up first, then Jordan, Rumesh, Frost and Emeka. It was now down to Wojak’s fifth taker. He skied the ball over the bar and in that moment Boroughs were victories. Their first cup!
Jubilation
Charlie gets involved in the celebration.
Dayo lifts cup.
All smiles
The man of the match as voted for by the match officials and the Hackney and Leyton league committee was Emeka Egbuonu who is normally exempt from the MOTM when voted for within club. The one word that was used to describe his performance was ‘Solid’.
Emeka’s penalty
We caught up with some of the players and this was their reaction to winning the cup.
Captain Dayo ‘I am overwhelmed, the next dream after winning a cup in Wembley is the dream of lifting a trophy at the Hackney Marshes. The home of football’
Charlie ‘I knew I would win a trophy in my first season with Boroughs, very emotional.’
Player/Manager Emeka ‘we had an objective right from preseason, when we were building this team. To be organised on and off the pitch, work hard and for everyone to fight for a place. I wanted to run the club properly and with all the hard work and dedication from my players we have achieved part of what we set ourselves to achieve. I am so happy to be a winner and most especially to be around these group of players.’
Boroughs next final is on April 12th[Jack Morgan cup]
Opponents : Delta Athletic.
Location : Hackney Marshes
Time : 10:30 Kick off
Boroughs United FC 