Chiswick Albion Move Comfortably Into Semis

Riverside Challenge Trophy Quarter-Final: Carefree Athletic 1 Chiswick Albion 8

Chiswick Albion overcame a bright start by Intermediate Division side Carefree Athletic, to comfortably move into the Semi-final of the Riverside Challenge Trophy.

Athletic have a very pacy forward line, but lack the discipline needed when defending against an organised side like the Albion. Adam White could have opened the scoring in the first minute, but it was Carefree who started the brightest. Martin Salem and Nicky Wozniak made crucial early interceptions as Carefree pushed forward.

The Albion took an early lead though when Ognjen Soskic burst through only to be on the end of a high tackle in the box. Liam White scored with his usual aplomb from the spot. A second soon came from a Nicky Wozniak corner as Carl Ede drove home the loose ball. Carefree were finding it difficult to defend corners and Martin Salem scored a third direct from another dead ball situation. Carefree were receiving a lesson in finishing as Carl Ede and Eugene Nouril combined well to set up Adam White who was on hand as the ball came back off a post to punish a shell-shocked Carefree.

Carefree were crumbling and Eugene Nouril sailed forward and threaded the ball through the keeper’s legs for an unassailable 5-0 half-time lead.

Carefree’s never say die attitude has to be admired but the Albion has faced this type of opposition before, and are well equipped to raise their game when needed. Anthony Clarke’s experience and direct running caused Carefree plenty of problems, as the Albion attacked from all angles. The Albion came into this game looking to put Carefree to the sword, after they had met in a close encounter earlier in the season in another cup competition. Albion came out on top on that time, and were not about to succumb to the same opposition on this occasion.

Carefree did pull a goal back, somewhat a consolation, but Chiswick were not to be denied. Tommy Powell at the heart of the defence with the able assistance of Vojin Soskic, Martin Salem and Nicky Wozniak kept Carefree at bay, allowing Albion’s passing game to flourish. Vojin Soskic found Eugene Nouril with a delightful through ball. Nouril crossed and Adam White slammed home. Then Eugene Nouril fired home Dean Francis’s corner to put the game way beyond Carefree. Nouril though had the final word, rounding off a fine hat trick as he rode two outrageous tackles and blasted, home.

Albion will now play Isleworth Castle in the semi-final and then hopefully Chiswick Griffin in the final.

Oggy Soskic, Albion’s youngest player earned ‘Man of the Match’ status with a superb all round performance.

Albion Team: Woolnoth, Wozniak N, Salem (Francis), Powell, Soskic V, Clarke, Ede, White L, Soskic O, Nouril, White A (Flynn)

Man of the Match: Ognjen Soskic

Champagne Moment of the Match: Eugene Nouril as he skipped over two assailants and cruised through to score the eighth.

Referee: Richard Cole (Hanworth)

Match Report: Mark White

April 26, 2008