Netherton United hadn’t played a competitive game for the last two weekends due to the weather, so a JPL National Cup game was going to quickly test any rustiness among the squad.
With Skipper Danyaal Younus out injured, Wayne Cort captained the side; hoping to lead them through to the last 16.

United got off to a bright start and were nicely playing the ball around, more impressive when the boggy sticky and undulated pitch is taken into consideration.
United’s back four handled any early threats from the West London side, who were lively down the right, and had a giant 6ft 2 centre forward.
Despite this, stand in skipper Cort and his ever improving team mate Harvey Henderson never gave him a clear sight on goal.
United full backs , Loui Catt and Josh Wilson were joining in the visiting sides attacks from wide and the midfield three were linking the play up nicely and in control of the game without causing any major threats on goal.
United could of gone one up inside the first 15 minutes when a shot by Viliam Radic looked goalbound, however the swerve on the ball had it just clip the outside of the post.
Ethan Camfield was starting his first JPL game for the Peterborough side, and continued on from his debut appearance as a sub with a solid midfield display, showing both grit and guille.
The forwards were using their pace but were mostly matched by a good home side back line, and anything in the air was dealt with by another 6ft plus player from WLFA.
Despite great play and dominant posession by United, there were no goals during an entertaining and quality first half.
HT 0-0

During the break, it was said that Netherton needed to continue the high tempo football and to shoot earlier and more often.
Euan Hattersley came on for Vaickelionis during the break as United shuffled the pack slightly.
Ryan Thomas going wide on the left to allow Hattersley to join Camfield and Hussain in a midfield three.
Hussain was having a superb game, and despite being the smallest player on the field, his skill, vision and wonderful first touch had him ruling the first half; being involved in most of the attacking play.

Hussain got his reward in the 42nd minute after a great overlap down the left from Josh Wilson, the ball was fed into his stride perfectly by Thomas and Wilson cleverly feigned to cross, sending the defender and his attempted sliding tackle skidding off the pitch; and he then fired a ball across the goal for Hussain to control at the back post before tapping home. (0-1)

This was the boost that was needed (aswell as deserved) for the United team, and on 49 minutes Ryan Thomas latched on to a pass from Camfield on the edge of the 18 yard box, drove into the penalty area, evading a lunging challenge and skipping past two defenders before slotting the ball neatly into the corner of the net. (0-2)

United were now bouyant and despite the hosts being more positive in their attacking mentality, the defence stood up to all that came through. Wayne Cort making a last ditch tackle to prevent an almost certain goal when the big London striker found himself alone just 4 yards from out; somehow Cort made up the ground and perfectly timed his low block.

WLFA were now throwing everything forward with ten minutes to go and the Head of Henderson, strength of Cort, pace of Catt and intuition of Wilson were simply too good to break down.
However, in the 74th minute, while admirably playing out from the back, Debutant goalkeeper Anshul Banerjee misjudged the pace on a pass to Wilson which went straight to the forward who drove into the box and squared the ball for an easy goal from six yards (1-2).

Roberts took off the tiring Nowicki and sent on Vaickelionis who went on and following a corner he picked up the clearance on the edge of the box and hit (with some venom) a low driven shot which was heading straight into the bottom left corner of the goal, only for the keeper to miraculously dive to his right and with a strong hand deflected the ball up and over the bar. Quite apt in a week when the game lost a great such as Gordon Banks, this save was reminiscent of his from the head of the great Pele.
However, the scoring wasn’t finished, and in the 78th minute, Ryan Thomas spotted the run of rejuvinated Vaickelionis and again played a wonderful pass into his stride, he drove menacingly into the box, and was soon one on one with the onrushing keeper that had minutes before denied him a certain goal, he cleverly dropped the shoulder, skipped round him and tucked the ball calmly into the net. (1-3)

FT: 1-3

A great game, and both sides deserving huge credit for the attitude, desire and football on display.
A genuine end to end cup tie played in great spirit.

United progress into the last 16 and in all honesty were good value for the win.

BIG Thanks to Mo and all at West London Football Academy. Great hosts, nice people and we wish you all the best for the rest of your season.

MOTM: Hashim Hussain.

Next up for United is an away trip to Yorkshire to play HD Select.